Obituary of Clifford Whipple

Clifford James Whipple was born September 7, 1960 in Burlington Colorado. He was the seventh child of Forrest and Regina Scherrer Whipple. Cliff lived most of his childhood on the family farm southeast of Kirk. Cliff attended school at Liberty School in Joes, Colorado through 7th grade. In 1974 the family moved to Burlington. Cliff graduated from Burlington High School in 1979 and joined the Marine Corps to see the world. Cliff was in the Marine Corps for 20 years. He went to San Diego for boot camp and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in 1979. Cliff was also stationed at Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville NC, Okinawa, Colorado Springs, and retired in 1999 as a Staff Sgt while stationed again at Camp Pendleton. Cliff saw the world on 2 floats that traveled through Asia and the Middle East. Cliff said that he never served in a war zone but he was “in the rear with the gear”. His job during Desert Storm was shipping supplies to the troops overseas and training them in nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. While in North Carolina and California Cliff was an active parent in the Boy and Girl Scouts along with his children. Cliff enjoyed his years in the Marines and was proud of his years of service. Cliff returned to Burlington after his retirement and worked as an over the road truck driver, a job he enjoyed. Cliff carried dog treats with him when he was hauling fuel. He was also able to pursue his hobbies of reading, antique tractors and threshers, collecting eagles, John Wayne and Marine memorabilia. Cliff had two children. Maria was born in 1980 Burlington while Cliff was overseas. His son Loyd was born in 1982 in Jacksonville, NC. He also had a step daughter, Nora. Cliff is preceded in death by his son Loyd, his parents Forrest and Regina Whipple, and his brother-in-law Dennis Oldham. Cliff is survived by his daughter, Maria and her husband Tim Albertson. He is also survived by his two granddaughters: Elizabeth Collins and RayLynn Ledesma. Cliff is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Gladys of Goodland, Dave (Gabi) of Stratton, Steve (Cheryl) of Burlington, Gerald of Limon, Regina Oldham of Goodland, Dolores (Jim) Gallentine of Clayton, Lenora (Scott) Winslow of Cope. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.