Search Results

KINNEY -- Clifford Ernest Kinney, 91, a resident of Albuquerque, died Saturday, October 30, 2004. Clifford was born on a farm near Alva, OK, on January 30, 1913, and lived a life filled with amazing energy and enthusiasm. He spent the days before his abrupt death playing golf, working out, cooking for friends,and being a loving, caring father and grandfather. Cliff loved his country. A decorated war veteran, he received the Air Medal, four Bronze Stars, 8 Oak Leaf Clusters, (representing 280 combat missions) and the Croix de Guerre with silver star. He served as an Army pilot in Europe, spotting heavy artillery. His experiences are detailed in his book, "The Life and Adventures of a Liaison Pilot in WWII," written and published in 1998 during his gentle care giving for his wife of 58 years, Lucille Warren Kinney. Clifford and Lucille were educators, living in Mesa, AZ prior to moving to Albuquerque in 1988, alternating seasons between Mesa and Albuquerque to enjoy golf and grandchildren. He was active in civic organizations; including Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions Club; they were members of Mesa Country Club for 33 years. Clifford is survived by four children and eight grandchildren: Suzanne Kinney and husband, Duncan Scott and their son, Evan; Jeanne Soule Meihaus and husband, Ed; son, Joey Rose of Albuquerque and Matthew and Suzanne Soule of New York City; Clifford Kinney, Jr., wife Kim, Christopher, Heather and Hannah of Chandler, AZ; and Clifford III of San Francisco; John and Melinda Kinney; Elizabeth and Jennica of Mooreland, OK; and his dear friend Rose Hammons. Clifford received his BS at Oklahoma State University and returning from WWII, his Masters degree, graduating Phi Kappa Phi. In 1954 he was named an outstanding Alumnae of OSU and his picture hangs in their Hall of Fame. A charter member, he received numerous awards for his work with the Future Farmers of America Association, including the Dedicated Service Award. Many grateful young men and women attribute their success to his dedication and direction. Golf was Clifford's passion, proudly trouncing his scratch golfer sons, John and Cliff, Jr. into his 90s, achieving six hole-in-ones and shooting his age more than a hundred times. At 90, he began working out at Del Norte Sports and Wellness to "stay in shape" in addition to golf and his daily two-mile walk. In the last ten years, he traveled extensively from Ireland to the Carribean to Alaska. In August he was honored at the WWII Memorial Greatest Generation Celebration. Always a proud participant in his grandchildren's lives, in September he traveled with Matt and Suzanne Soule to proudly watch granddaughter Elizabeth, Miss Oklahoma, compete in the Miss America Pageant. A devout Christian, Clifford was active at Hoffmantown Church, where services celebrating a life well lived will be Friday, November 5, 2004, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Friends may visit French Mortuary, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel, Thursday, November 4, 2004 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Clifford will be remembered as one who gave generously of his time, energy and resources. He has often been described by others as one of the finest men they ever knew, a gentleman of true integrity, happy, vibrant and dearly loved by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clifford Kinney Scholarship Fund, at Wells Fargo Bank, 11199 Montgomery Blvd, NE, Albuquerque 87111. French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Wed November 03, 2004