Vernon Ray Cliffman

Vernon Ray Cliffman, 73, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at his home in Sheldon, Mo. He was born on May 13, 1943, in rural Sheldon, to Henry Cliffman and Helen (Hornecker) Cliffman. He married Carolyn S. Johnston on Jan. 27, 1962, in Arcadia, Kan., and she preceded him in death on Feb. 19, 2010.

Vernon was raised in rural Sheldon and attended schools at Avola and Sheldon and graduated from Bronaugh High School in 1961. He moved to Kansas City in 1961 where he was employed by Kansas City Southern Railroad until returning to rural Sheldon in 1976 where he opened Cliffman's Garage in Sheldon. Vernon enjoyed working on antique tractors and cars. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Nevada and served as trustee of Drywood Township for more than 30 years. He greatly appreciated the good meals and friendship at the Rockpile Cafe in Sheldon.

Survivors include his four children, Sue Rayburn and her husband, Mike, of Liberal, Mo., Greg Cliffman and his wife, Traci, of Nevada, John Scot Cliffman and his wife, Shezan, of Webb City, Mo., and Kerri Beshore and her husband, Jeff, of Lamar, Mo.; grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth Rayburn, Myles and Sarah Rayburn, Tabby and Cole Speights, Kelci and Cory Steele, Kyler Cliffman, Shayla Cliffman, Jared Beshore, Kara Beshore and Joel Beshore; great-grandchildren, Brock Rayburn, Bristyn Rayburn, Byer Rayburn and Rayce Rayburn; one sister, Viola Titus, Clinton, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his father and mother; great-grandsons, Michael Allen Rayburn III, and Colgin Dwayne Rayburn; and a brother-in-law, C. A. Titus.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, June 13, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with Pastor Bruce Titus officiating. Interment will follow in Avola Cemetery, Sheldon. Friends may call now and until the hour of service and the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 12, at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in Vernon's memory to Avola Cemetery and the Sheldon Picnic Tractor Pull in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.