Clifford Raydean Darrah

Clifford “Cliff” Darrah, 78, passed away November 30, 2024 at University Park Nursing & Rehab.

Cliff was born April 6, 1946 in Derby, Iowa to Clifford and Ruby (Nickel) Darrah. He grew up north of downtown Des Moines and was a 1964 graduate of North High School. Following high school, he was drafted and served four years in the United States Marine Corps. Cliff worked for Delevan Manufacturing and part-time for KFC where he met his wife Kathy. Later he worked for Armstrong Tire, John Deere and Massey Ferguson. After the plant closed, Cliff went to work for Local 177, where he retired. During his career he worked on many buildings including the Downtown Marriott Hotel, Polk County Jail, Iowa State Capitol, the Botanical Center, and the remodel of the Maytag offices and plant in Newton. After retirement, Cliff spent hours watching Western reruns of reruns and decided he needed something more. He went to work part-time for Target, stocking shelves at night and talking.

Cliff was a member of the Warren County Saddle Club. He loved spending Sundays at the horse shows working as the gate man, talking and people watching.

Cliff had a sense of humor all his own and would always have a story. Whether it be trying to come up with a joke for family or making a new friend from a stranger. To sum Cliff up, he was given a shirt that said, “grandpa knows everything, and if he doesn’t, give him a minute and he will make something up”.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; daughter, Jodi; son, Brent (Stefani); granddaughter, Madison; a great-grandson on the way; sister, Evelyn; and a host of extended family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will greet friends Thursday, December 5, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Cliff will be laid to rest with military honors at Elm Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or the Puppy Jake Foundation in loving memory of Cliff.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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