Clifford Washburn, age 87, of Spearfish, South Dakota, died Friday, April 21, 2011, at Veterans Administration Hospital at Fort Meade, South Dakota.

Clifford was born September 22, 1923, to Lee and Bernice (Lester) Washburn in Lead, South Dakota. He attended schools in Deadwood and Lead, and was a member of the 1942 Lead High School Football Team, the only untied, undefeated football team in the school's history. Clifford enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1943. He served in the Pacific arena as a radarman on a destroyer escort, until he qualified for Officer Candidate schooling. Clifford received his discharge from the Navy in April of 1946. He was very proud of his military experience, and in 2010, was included in an Honor Flight, which took World War II Veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial. He enjoyed the trip immensely. Clifford was married to Phyllis Oliver on February 6, 1947. They ranched in the Albion, Montana area and Southwestern Montana until their retirement. He enjoyed life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, most sports, and his many friends; but most of all, he enjoyed his family.

He is survived by his w
ife, Phyllis; sons, Pat (Debbie) Washburn of Enid, Oklahoma; Lee Washburn of Newcastle, Wyoming; daughters, Karen (Jim) Watson of Hot Springs, Arkansas; Sandra (Jerry) Welborn of Buffalo, Wyoming; sister, Lila Childress of Magnolia, Delaware; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Keith Washburn, and sister, Pearl Martin.

A memorial service will be at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Services, 450 7th Street, Spearfish, South Dakota.

A memorial has been designated to Hospice of the Northern Hills and St. Jude's Children's Hospital.