Published: May 20, 2008 02:44 pm            

Clifford E. Raymond

Funeral services for Clifford E. Raymond, 87 year-old Enid resident, will be at 2 p.m. today in Abundant Life Family Center with Pastor David Robinson officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Clifford was born on June 27, 1920, in Greenwood, Ark., the son of Thomas Raymond and Mary (Norris) Raymond and died on Saturday, May 17, 2008, in Greenbrier Nursing Home.

In the 1930s after the great depression, Clifford worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps on many different jobs. He was part of the building of Red Rocks amphitheater and various ski resorts in Colorado. During his time with the CCC, he also helped on the Lake Wister dam and fought forest fires in Southwest Oklahoma.

Clifford joined the United States Marine Corps. on Aug. 24, 1940, just at the start of World War II. He serviced his first duty during WWII in various islands including, Marshall, Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. While in Iwo Jima, Clifford received his purple heart because he was injured by shrapnel. On Jan. 19, 1947, he was discharged as a sergeant of the US Marine Corps. On Sept. 6, 1950, he re-enlisted to join the coalition during the Korean Conflict. He served almost a year before being discharged again on April 4, 1951.

During his two military tours, Clifford married Dora Elizabeth Short on Feb. 2, 1947, in El Reno. In 1952, the couple moved from El Reno to Enid where they made their home.

Clifford was a machine operator for Gold Spot Diary. He worked for them from 1952 until retirement in 1982.

He was a charter member for Abundant Life Temple.

He enjoyed many things in life like reading the newspaper and the Bible. He would work very hard to make his lawn look great.

He is survived by one daughter, Sharon Raymond of Enid; two sons, Terry Raymond and his wife, Cindi, of Stillwater and Donald Raymond of El Reno; 10 grandchildren, Teresa Ivy, James Ivy, Barbara Blankenship, Marjorie Megow, Marcus Carter, Micheal Carter, Corey Raymond, Jennifer DeRoin, Joshua Raymond and Phillip Raymond; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Clifford is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dora Raymond; two daughters, Betty Ivy and Delores Carter; three sisters, May Rumley, Allie Short and Bertha Raymond; and two brothers, Rufus and Elmer Raymond.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Circle of Love with Henninger-Allen Funeral Home acting as custodian of the fund.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.