Smith, Clifford L. 'Smitty'

Clifford served in the Army during World War II as First Scout, saw combat in the Philippines, and also was stationed in occupied Japan. He was united in marriage to Gladys J. Brenning on May 7, 1949, in North Bend, Ore. Clifford and Gladys returned to rural Iowa in 1954. In 1957, they moved to Cedar Rapids, where Clifford began work as a drywall contractor until he retired his stilts, pan, and knife when he was 80 years old. He could not drive by an area in Cedar Rapids without commenting that he did the drywall in this house or that house. And over the years he worked on many churches in this area and in Oregon. He truly loved his work and would often say that someday God would need another drywall man in heaven.

Clifford loved the Lord so when God said “Come and dine and sit at my table all the time,” he laid his tools down to be with Jesus.

His biggest joy, besides his children and grandchildren, was working in his garden plot at Ellis Park, which he did for over 20 years.

He is remembered as an honest, hardworking man who loved the Lord, his church, his family and friends, and found joy in the simple things in life.

Clifford is survived by his wife of 62 years, Gladys J. Smith; his children, Janet (Kurt) Falkenstein of Cedar Rapids, Sherry (Alan) Cobb of Independence, Jerry (Elaine) Smith of Cedar Rapids and Caroline (Greg) Dick of Vinton; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Clifford and his famous sense of humor will be greatly missed by many friends and family.

A memorial fund has been established.