Clifford E. Sanford, 89, of Hillsboro, died on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
Mr. Sanford was laid to rest on Saturday, Aug. 13, at St. Agnes Cemetery in Hillsboro. Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home of Hillsboro assisted the family with arrangements.
Mr. Sanford was born on June 29, 1933, in Schram City to Robert and Mary Jane (Boyd) Sanford. He married Gloria Scariot of Kortkamp in 1958.
Mr. Sanford attended Schram City School and Hillsboro High School. A veteran of the Korean War he proudly served his country aboard the U.S.S. Whiteside AKA-90 from 1952 to 1956. In 1957, he began a 35 year career with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Decatur, retiring in 1992.
Mr. Sanford was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, Kershaw Harmer V.F.W Post #1306 of Taylor Springs and the U.S.S. Whiteside Association of Korean War Veterans. He enjoyed attending their nationwide reunions. He traveled to Washington D.C., on July 27, 1995, to attend the Korean War Memorial Monument dedication.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Sanford is survived by son, Ron; daughter Rhonda (significant other Gene Knisley); brother, Earl; and sister, Mae Smoot.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and George; and three siblings in infancy.
