Woodward, Okla. — Clifford Gonser, 85 year old Woodward resident, died Thursday, May 27, 2010 at the Newman Memorial Hospital in Shattuck. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the Billings Funeral Home with the Reverend Larry White officiating. Interment will be in the Elmwood Cemetery.
Clifford Clayton Gonser was born on November 12, 1924 on the family farm north of Curtis, Oklahoma to Olliver Martin and Maude Ethel (Olds) Gonser. Clifford was reared in the Curtis, Mooreland and Quinlan area and had worked for ranchers around the Quinlan area before entering the United States Navy in 1943. Clifford served his country as a Seaman 2nd Class, stationed at Holtville, California until being honorably discharged in 1946. He was united in marriage to Virginia Louise Cantrell on November 10, 1946 in Woodward, Oklahoma. They made their home in Woodward and Clifford worked as a Meat Cutter at Martinson Grocery. In 1952, Clifford went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad as a switchman and worked for them for 27 years, retiring in 1979. They moved from the farm into Woodward in 1993.
Clifford enjoyed farming, fishing, puzzles, working on lawnmowers, visiting with neighbor kids, cooking and being with his family. Clifford was an outdoors man and spent as much time as he could outside.
He is survived by one son, Terry Gonser and wife Carolyn of Cedardale; four daughters, Rita Branstetter and husband Jack of Woodward, Louise Kraus and husband Ronnie of Gage, Judy Pfaff and husband Walter of Bombay Beach, California, Carol Maedgen and husband Jerry of Woodward; three brothers, Roy Gonser and wife Lynn of Woodward, Harold Gonser and wife LeAnn of Gage, George Gonser and wife Glenda of Buffalo; three sisters, Judy Poe of Filmore, California, Bessie Bussard and husband Larry of Woodward, Jennie Richey and husband Eddie of Newalla; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, three sisters, five brothers, a daughter Mary Ann Oliver and a grandson, Kevin Ray Oliver. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woof Pet Rescue Fund of Woodward or the charity of your choice with the funeral home accepting the contributions.
Remembrances may be shared online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com.