Clifford Mitchell

On June 13, 2013, our grandfather, Clifford W. Mitchell (Mitch), went to be with his heavenly father.

A celebration of life will be at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall in Glenns Ferry, on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Glenn Rest Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Clifford was born Feb. 4, 1929, in Sterling, Colo., the son of Ora and Gladys Mitchell.

In 1932 the family moved from Colorado to Merrill, Ore., where he attended elementary school. The depression years forced the Mitchell family to move to Sacramento, Calif., in 1941, where Clifford attended high school prior to joining the military in 1945 at age 16. He was hoping to be involved with the efforts of WWII however the war ended before he completed basic.

After WWII, he was stationed in the Philippines for numerous years prior to the Korean War. Clifford served as a flight engineer in the Korean War and the Cold War era. He held many positions in the Air Force, all mainly on large bombers (B-52s) or Air Force refueling planes.

After Clifford retired from the military, he always found occupations that kept him flying while he was able. A few of these included the local Civil Air Patrol, over 20 years as a flight instructor, piloting for private charters for individuals and businesses.

While being stationed in Mountain Home, Clifford was introduced to Lucille G. Freeman while playing guitar for a band in Glenns Ferry. Clifford and Lucille decided to marry in December of 1960, living the rest of their active lives in Glenns Ferry until their health needs forced a move to Boise.

Clifford enjoyed life to the fullest and decided to take advantage of the GI Bill after military retirement. Clifford enrolled at Boise Junior College in the late 1960s graduating in the early '70s Magna Cum Laude.

Clifford enjoyed children and decided to invest in the future by becoming a school teacher at Glenns Ferry Elementary. Clifford taught numerous grades and helped out with various athletic programs at the school during his 20-year teaching career.

He was a member and participated in many events held by the Masons, the Shriners, and the Veterans of Foreign War where he held rank of commander several years.

Lucille and Clifford liked to travel a great deal and on many occasions Clifford would take advantage of his flying connections by either borrowing or chartering an aircraft to fly them to Oregon, Alaska, and on occasion to southern states.

Lucille had three children from a previous marriage, Lawren Freeman, Marilyn Jackson, and Wilton Freeman, whom Clifford admired dearly and was always interested in their happiness and well-being.

Mitch greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing until arthritis made this pleasure almost impossible. He loved to tell stories about with his cousins in and around Klamath Falls as a young man. Being an avid hunter prompted Clifford to be a big supporter and member of the NRA for most of his life.

Grandpa never missed holidays, and he and Grandma never forgot any of the grandchildren or great-grandchildren's birthdays or special events in life.

We love and miss them both dearly! Thank you for all the lives you both have touched! You will be missed by us all!

Clifford was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, his brothers, Clyde, Lloyd, Daniel, sister Ruth Wittenmyer and parents Ora and Gladys Mitchell.

Grandpa is survived by his sister, Lorraine Griffen, of Sandy, Utah.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Garden Plaza of Valley View for all their guidance, support, and care.