Clifton Gasaway

Intelligence, it is said, is a great gift given to us, while an education must always be earned. Clifton Gasaway understood this better than anyone, a man blessed with a great intellect, yet also the character to make the most of his gifts. He was an amazing man, who taught us all so much, as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Today his lessons, and his love, live on in all who knew him. Cliftons story began on a warm summer day in 1918, in the little town of LaPlata, Missouri. Those were dire days in this country, as the terrible battles of World War I were felt in every American home, affecting every family across the country. Yet amid these turbulent times, William and Claudia (Grear) Gasaway found reason for hope on June 5, 1918, with the birth of their only son, a baby boy they named Clifton. Clifton joined his sisters Wilma, Pearl, Darlene, Doris and Vada in the familys home, while his sister Martha sadly died as an infant. Being the proud familys only son, Clifton no doubt was a bit spoiled growing up, though never rotten. He was also a very bright young man, and an excellent student in school. When he was a senior in high school, Clifton met a beautiful classmate named Mary Weldon, and a budding romance ensued. They stayed in touch after graduation, as they headed to separate colleges Mary in Illinois, and Clifton to Tri-State College in Indiana. The distance was difficult, though they saved their money and saw each other as often as possible. Eventually, the couple saved up $30, and eloped on September 14, 1938 in Troy, Missouri. All they had was a ring and a few extras to take to the Justice of the Peace, and they left as man and wife, with two silver dollars left over! They still have those dollars today, kept in a very special place. The newlyweds soon parted ways, heading off to their respective colleges to earn their degrees. When he finally earned his degree in mechanical engineering, his country required his services, and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November of 1942. The young Ensign served aboard the USS Todd, the second ship into Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. When he was finally discharged, he and his beloved Mary made up for lost time. They soon were the proud parents of four wonderful children, Caroline, William, Mary Ann and John. Clifton was a wonderful, supportive parent, and very involved in their activities, particularly his sons Boy Scout troops. Most of all, he stressed the importance of education to his kids, who each became very well educated and traveled internationally. Clifton provided for his loving family by working as an engineer at Teledyne Continental Motors, in the research division. He retired from there in 1978, after more than 30 years. Clifton and Mary traveled extensively in retirement, visiting each of the 50 states, and broadening their considerable horizons, as well. That was Clifton, though; always anxious to see new things, to learn more, and to share what he had learned. Clifton was a wonderful man, who lived a wonderful life, a man of great character and charisma, of intellect and integrity. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, and a man who taught us all so much. Today his lessons, and his love, live on in all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Mr. Gasaway died Sunday, October 21, 2007 at the age of 89. His family includes his Wife, Mary; two daughters, Carolyn Weng of Muskegon & Mary Ann Peirsol of Alvin, TX; one son, John Gasaway of Novi, MI; five grandchildren; one sister, Vada Jean Hammen of Lillian, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son & five sisters. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 26, 2007, 11:00 AM at Community United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Lynch officiating. Interment at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Dwight, IL at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice or the Community Methodist Church Fund for Memorials. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.