Clifford E. Oakley

Clifford Elmer Oakley

Jan. 10, 1930 - March 24, 2013

Clifford Elmer Oakley, age 83, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013, at Community Hospital in McCook.

He was born on Jan. 10, 1930, to parents, Clarence L. and Grace Belle (Naphis) Oakley, Sr., at Lamar, Colorado. He moved with his family at a young age to Benkelman where he attended school.

Cliff entered the US Navy on Dec. 18, 1950, and served during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Sicily. He was honorably discharged on Nov. 3, 1954.

On Aug. 5, 1956, Cliff was united in marriage to Zetta "Annie" Louetta Haining at Trenton. To this union Cliff became a loving father to Sally, Jerry and Rexene. Born to this marriage were Rita and Terri to make their family complete.

Cliff worked for the Nebraska Game and Parks for some 43 years beginning two years at the Swanson Reservoir and then Red Willow Reservoir until his retirement. He was a member of the Benkelman American Legion, Benkelman Veteran's of Foreign Wars, and McCook Eagle's Club since 1971.

Cliff enjoyed hunting and fishing, arrowhead hunting, and bird watching. His other pastimes included stock car racing, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren, often telling them stories about the time he spent in the service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Marie Wilson, Naomi Penn and Eulala Steward; and one brother, Clarence Oakley, Jr.

Survivors include his wife, "Annie" Oakley of McCook; children, Sally (Ed) Vontz of North Platte, Jerry (Robin) Wonderly of Alliance, Rexene (Dennis) Johnson of Clive Iowa, Rita (Lawrence) Herron of McCook, Terri Propes of Litchfield Park, Arizona; brother, Wayne (Jeanie) Oakley of Englewood, Colorado; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 27, 2013, from 1--8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 28, 2013, 10:30 a.m., at the Evangelical Free Church in McCook with Pastor Bruce Lester officiating. Burial will be in the Benkelman Cemetery at 2:30 p.m., central time.

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.