Bob Obituary (1947

Robert Leslie (Bob) Clift, 75, of Henry, IL, passed away on Oct. 25, 2022, at Regional Medical Center in Anniston, AL. Bob was born May 20, 1947, in Spring Valley, IL, to William Henry and Elizabeth M. (Dorff) Clift. He married Marcia R. Withers in Quincy, IL, on May 25, 1968. She survives. Additional survivors include two daughters, Michelle L. Clift of Henry, IL, and Jill C. (Clift) Surmeier of Fenton, MO, sister Mildred A. (Clift) Parkinson of Hardin, IL, brother-in-law Steve A. Withers of Quincy, IL, sisters-in-law R. JoAnne Walker (Dave) Withers of Sturgeon Bay, WI, Hilda Hammond (Phil) Withers of Augusta, GA, Laura L. St. Clair (Steve) Withers of Quincy, IL, son-in-law Christopher S. Surmeier, beloved grandchildren Mia L. and Brayden M. Surmeier, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, a sister Edith M. (Clift) Umphress, a brother William Edward Clift, brothers-in-law Raymond Umphress, David E. Withers, Philip W. Withers, and sisters-in-law Tillie Martinez (Bill) Clift and Anne Eliason (Phil) Withers. Bob graduated from Henry-Senachwine High School in 1965 and later completed the Caterpillar machinist apprentice program, where he worked for 35 years until retiring in 2002 as a planning processor. After retirement from CAT, he worked as an EMT for the Peru Ambulance Service and volunteered with the Henry Community Ambulance. He also served his community as a volunteer firefighter for over 50 years and was the secretary and then president of the Board of Trustees of the Henry Fire Protection District for a number of years. An avid fan of girls' fast-pitch softball, he served as an assistant coach and scorekeeper for both school and travel teams. He was a long-time member and Chief Range Officer of the United States Practical Shooting Association. He competed in and officiated many local and national matches, including the Racegun and PCC/Production Nationals at the time of his death. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at the Henry United Methodist Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, with fellowship to follow. Memorials may be made to the Henry Fire Protection District or a charity of the donor's choice.