Clifford Brafford
January 03, 2013
Clifford M. Brafford, 97, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2013, at University Park Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born August 25, 1915, in Scranton, Iowa, to Elda and Edward Brafford.
Clifford has been a resident of Des Moines since the age of 9, and graduated from North High School in 1933. He served in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1945. Clifford retired from Firestone after 32 years of service. He owned and operated Cliff’s Hamburger House in the Drake area for many years, as well as Dad’s Old Fashioned Lemonaid at the fair grounds.
Clifford is survived by his wife, Barbara (Bobbie) Black Brafford; sons, Joe (Rikki), John (Candy); stepson, Bill (Karen) Black of Arizona; 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren; and his daughter-in-law, Penny Brafford. Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Mary; son, T. Michael Brafford; grandson, Randy Brafford; and great-grandson, Austin Brafford.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at All Saints Catholic Church, 650 NE 52nd Avenue, Des Moines, with burial following at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will greet family and friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, January 7, 2013, at the church, with a prayer service beginning at 7 p.m.
The family would like to thank the staff at University Park Nursing and Rehab as well as the staff at Saint Jude Hospice for their care and compassion during this time.
In loving memory of Clifford, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude Hospice, 2480 Berkshire Parkway Suite C, Clive, Iowa 50325.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jane Farley Duffy
01/07/2013
I know what a big part Cliff and the Brafford family played in the Paul & Vera Farley life. On behalf of all of us please accept our sincere sympathy.
Jane Farley Duffy
Rebecca Black
01/06/2013
I am so blessed to have had this wonderful man in my life. Thank you for they joy and many years of wonderful memories you have given my Grandma Bobbie Black. Enjoy your peace with God; I will smile often thinking of you.
Grand-Daughter (step) Rebecca Black
Sherry and Starlyn Mulstay
01/06/2013
John and family, Uncle Cliff was our favorite Uncle, he was so sweet and always treated us with kindness, respect and love. Cliff was a true gentlman, and oh what a wondetful smile. The world is a much better place because of Clifford Brafford. May you rest in peace.
Barb Kovats Tuttle
01/05/2013
John and family - I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Although I know you will miss him so much, I hope you will take comfort in knowing that he'll be with with you and watching over you 24/7 now. You have my prayers.
Thomas Treiber ('61)
01/05/2013
Wow! He's my model. I'll be 70 this year. At 97, that's 27 more years! Let's celebrate instead of being sorrowful!
Tom and Linda Peacock
01/05/2013
Bobbie, John and family. Cliff was full of life and had such a sharp mind in his 90s. He lived a long and full life but will be missed by family and friends. It was a great pleasure to be his doctor for 30 years until my retirement.
Fran Brownell
01/05/2013
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family at this time.
marilyn borgerding
01/05/2013
so very sorry , our prayers are with you and the family.
Angie Lavia Rodenkirk
01/05/2013
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time..
John Taylor
01/04/2013
The Taylor's would like to express our condolences to the Brafford family on Clifford's passing. I am quite sure Clifford is the one who taught me how to shake a lemonade and grill a foot long the proper way. I will always remember those trips to Cedar Rapids and staying in that tiny trailer.....6 of us I think. Godspeed Clifford.....Thanks for helping keep the USA free, we have lost another top member of our Greatest Generation and we are all better because of him.
JT
Judy Textor
01/04/2013
My heart felt sympathy goes out to the Brafford family. Clifford was my friend. I so enjoyed hearing his stories and seeing his friendly smile. I feel privileged to be one of the nurses in his life. God bless the Cliffords.