Clifford Leo Blanchard, 68 of Grant City, MO transitioned to his heavenly home on Monday, March 29, 2021. Cliff was surrounded by family in hospice care during his last earthly days.
Clifford was born on October 5, 1952 in Osceola, Iowa, the son of Virgil “Shorty” Blanchard and Ruby (Heston) Blanchard. Clifford graduated from Clarke Community Schools in Osceola, IA. He married Sandy Rayburn and together they raised Sandy’s three children, to whom Clifford was an amazing father: Myshell (Rayburn) Grimes, Misty (Rayburn) Zahrt and Matthew Rayburn.
Clifford and Sandy spent 43 years together. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home, loving their children, family, friends and anyone who walked through their door. They enjoyed many adventures together including traveling, camping, collecting antiques, bowling, playing cards and enjoying their family. Clifford worked for Jimmy Dean Meat Company for 15 years in Osceola, Iowa.
In 1988, Cliff and Sandy moved from Osceola, Iowa, to Rockledge, Florida. In Florida, Clifford owned and operated an independent construction clean up contracting business. After his wife’s passing in 2019, Clifford returned to the Midwest to be near family, settling in Grant City, MO. Clifford’s true loves in life were his wife Sandy, his family, cooking and designing remodeling projects. Cliff took great joy in preparing delicious meals for friends and family.
Clifford leaves to cherish his memory step-daughter, Myshell Grimes of Grant City, MO; step-daughter, Misty Zahrt and husband Cory of Adel, IA; step-son, Matthew Rayburn and wife Jacki of Milford, KS; grandchildren: Gage Grimes, Zachary Grimes, Corbin Zahrt, Chloe Zahrt, Chaise Zahrt, Avi Rayburn and Caeler Rayburn. Siblings: Janice Brown and husband Francis of Osceola, IA; Mike Blanchard and wife Kelly of Osceola, IA; Karen Toney and husband Gary of Osceola, IA; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A private tree planting ceremony, to celebrate Clifford's life, will be conducted in Osceola, Iowa at a later date. The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of tribute donations to the American Lung Association in Clifford’s name. The donations may be made online at action.lung.org.
Arrangements: Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Grant City, Missouri
No comments:
Post a Comment