Clifford Allen Smith, 87, of Ottumwa, died at 3:02 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025 surrounded by family at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.
He was born September 22, 1937 in Ottumwa to Clifford Allen and Helen Marie Pilcher Morrow. His parents later divorced and Helen married Cecil Smith who adopted Clifford. Clifford married Mary May Handling September 16, 1961 and they were blessed with three children.
A 1956 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Clifford served in the Iowa Army National Guard. He worked for John Morrell & Company in the plant, as a route salesman and a truck driver. He worked briefly at J.I. Case Burlington before going to work in 1966 for John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring in 1996 after 30 years.
Clifford was a proud member of the Republican party. He enjoyed drawing cartoons, cutting wood, working around the farm, gardening, his coffee and visiting around the campfire. He was a great storyteller and loved to laugh and make jokes. Clifford especially loved to spend time with his family and friends. He never knew a stranger and was kind, pleasant and polite. His presence will be greatly missed.
Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Mary; son, Jeffery Smith of Ottumwa; daughters, Lisa (Steve) Ballard of Des Moines and Lacie Courtney of Ottumwa; 5 grandchildren, Jessica Ballard (Jordan Johnson), Blake (Katherine) Smith, John Courtney (Vesta Hill), Cody Ballard (Liz Immel) and Megan Cook; and 4 great-grandchildren, Talan, Lincoln, Henely and Hazel.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-father.
Visitation will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, January 20th at Reece Funeral Home. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, January 21st at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorials may be made to Dog Star Animal Sanctuary.
