Clifton 'Cliff' Lord

June 5, 1921--Sept. 21, 2010

INDIANOLA, Nebraska -- Clifton "Cliff" C. Lord, 89, a lifelong resident of Indianola, passed away Tuesday (Sept. 21, 2010), at the McCook Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska.

Clifton was born June 5, 1921, in Indianola to parents MacArthur C. and Gertrude E. (Lehn) Lord. He was one of five children born to this union. Clifton attended school in Indianola, graduating in 1939. He then went on to attend Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, Colorado, where he studied for eight years. Clifton served in the United States Army from July 1946 to March 1948, being stationed in Korea.

On Sept 6, 1948, Clifton married Anne Marie Gehlbach. The couple made their home in Indianola, raising their three children in the community. The family owned and operated Lord's Hardware and Furniture (third generation) and were members of St. Catherine's Catholic Church. Clifton was an accomplished organist and, together, he and Anne directed the children's choir for 25 years.

Clifton served 41 ½ years on the Indianola City Council, 11 ½ years as mayor. He has been honored by the Indianola Jaycees with the "Outstanding Businessman" award, and honored by the City of Indianola with "Man of the Year" award. In the early years, he served on the Indianola School Board, and also provided his own ambulance service in Indianola until such time that the Indianola Volunteer Fire Dept took over the service. They have recognized him for his support, especially for "Today's Youth-Tomorrow's Leaders."

His dedicated service spread in many ways to the surrounding communities. Because of his caring nature and leadership, he was elected to the McCook Community Hospital Board, and was recognized by the Board of Trustees for his dedicated service. He was a member of the McCook Area Crimestoppers Committee and was honored by the McCook Chamber of Commerce with the "Community Builder's Award" for outstanding service to the city and the McCook area.

He was a member of the Indianola Rotary Club, being a "Paul Harris Fellow," and a past District Governor. He was a life-member of the Elks Club, the VFW (recognized by the VFW Political Action Committee), the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus, being a past Grand Knight. He was also Ambassador for the Knights of Aksarben.

Clifton was a past President of the Western Hardware Association. He has been honored by the Nebraska Retailer Association with "Retailer of the Year"; was recognized in Who's Who Nationwide for Executive and Business Practitioners; was a member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFLB), a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of free enterprise; was recognized by the State of Nebraska as a "Partner in Prosperity" for helping to develop a dynamic and progressive state economy; recognized by KFNF/KSWN Proud Country Radio for outstanding effort in putting forth the positive philosophy "It Ain't All Bad" during stressful economic times; recognized by the University of Nebraska with the "Community Improvement Program Leadership" award in appreciation of his leadership in his community and the state of Nebraska.

Cliff's dedication and hard work has brought Lord's Hardware and Furniture into its 129th year. He was truly dedicated to his fellow-man through his passion for humanitarian projects. He believed in "service above self" -- and lived it every day. He always had a smile, and will be especially remembered for his kindness and generosity.

Clifton was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Anne; son, Tim and wife, Kathy Lord of Indianola; daughters, Connie and husband, Will McKay of Liberty, Missouri, and Corinne and husband, Allan Winings of O'Neill, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Lisa Lord, Kimberly Lord, Michael Lord, Jeff Winings, David McKay, Lynne Helstrom, and Laura Conniff; and seven great-grandchildren.

"There are no words to tell you how very much you will be missed by the family who loved you dearly and by your multitude of friends, associates, and peers. You were a loving husband of 62 years and the most loving dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. God bless you and keep you always."

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation is today until 5 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

A rosary service is today, 7 p.m., at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola.

Funeral Mass is Friday, 10 a.m., at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Indianola with Father Thomas McGuire officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Catherine's Cemetery, also in Indianola.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook or to send a message of condolence to the Lord family.