Obituary: Clifford Rose, 97, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024 at Heritage Assisted Living. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on September 17, 1926, the son of Clifford H. Rose and Gertrude (Fultz) Wilson.
Clifford was preceded in death by his father, Clifford H. Rose; mother, Gertrude Fultz Wilson; step mother, Mary Rose; spouses, Betty "Anna" Evans Rose (1943), Betty Rose, and Joanne VastBinder Rose. Cliff is survived by three children from his first marriage, Dianna (Bob) Shafer of Lake Forest, CA; David (Cheryl) Rose of East Leroy, MI; and Randy (Karen) Rose of Traverse City, MI.
He is also has six grandchildren, Jason (Shannon) Rose of East Leroy, Kelli Thompson of Climax, Curtis Rose (Daley) of New York; Collin Rose (deceased); Scott (Christy) Shafer of Nebraska and Melissa Shafer of Arizona; seven great grandchildren, Robert Thompson, Nathan Thompson, Christopher Rose, Caitlin Rose all of Battle Creek, Zia and Simona Shafer of Nebraska and Hailey Shafer of Arizona. Also surviving are a cousin, Butch Smith of Battle Creek; step brother, Mike Rose and numerous nieces and nephews.
Clifford was preceded in death by his two brothers and three step brothers. He had many special friends, fellow warriors and coworkers in areas of passion for him, including Bob and Alice Berger, Joe Payjak, Ernie and Sue Hamilton, Mary Hart, Evelyn Bradfield, Judy Lemon and friend, Clara, who kept him "young at heart." He greatly appreciated the many friends and family that supported him, especially the staff and friends at Heritage Assisted Living and Hospice as his declining health prevented him from connecting with his friends and fellow musicians in his active lifestyle.
Clifford worked for 35 years at Grand Trunk Railroad, rising from Brakeman to Conductor to Assistant Train Master/Train Master and Assistant Superintendent (in Chicago, IL). He retired in 1982 at the age of 55. He experienced many life opportunities that fed his interests and love for singing and playing country and soulful music with his harmonicas and fellow enthusiasts and, of course, dancing with his many partners. He loved having his family, children, and grandchildren in his life.
One of Cliff's greatest passions in life was his military service for his beloved country. He entered the service at the age of 17 and served in World War II (2 years as a US Navy Seaman First Class and 7 years as US Army Corporal, with additional training and time flying US Air Force planes).
His post military involvement continued as a Lifetime Member of the American Legion for 60+ years in the State of Michigan, he was proud to hold most all offices in the Post #465 3rd District, including County Commander, District Commander, Zone Commander, and Judge Advocate, preferring a "I wouldn't do that if I were you" leadership role, rather than telling others what to do. He was very involved as a lifetime member of the VFW for 60 years, with several years as Post Commander. He was Buddy Poppy Chairman and Post Commander of #6180 during his residence in Florida. He was also a member of The Forty and Eight Club for 60+ years, and the Elks, and Masons Club. His role as a Member of the Advisory Board at Fort Custer National Cemetery which provided an opportunity to continue serving his fellow veterans and their families by coordinating and ensuring dignity and recognition for those who were and are interred at Fort Custer Cemetery. Cliff was invited to Washington DC as a World War II Vet to speak with the President of the US on behalf of the Veterans Affairs in 1997.
Clifford kept his sharp wit and attention to detail intact until his passing with a remarkable memory, a great sense of humor, and a larger-than-life personality. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.