Clifford E Burns

Clifford E. Burns, age 98, of Oklahoma City died on Saturday, February 10, 2007. Born the eldest of five boys and two girls to Frederick Edward F.E. and Ida Mae Burns on November 4, 1908 in Willow View, northeast of Lexington Oklahoma. Upon graduating the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor?s Degree in Education, Cliff taught grades 4 through 8 in the Blackburn School District for 4 years. He went to work for the Department of Public Welfare in June, 1942. Cliff began his DPW career as a caseworker in the southern half of Cleveland County. He transferred to the state office in OKC in June, 1945. He held several other positions within DPW, including State Office District Supervisor, Supervisor of the Audit Unit, Assistant Supervisor of Field Service and Personnel Officer. He was appointed to the position of Administrative Assistant for Personnel and Operations reporting directly to the Director, Lloyd E. Rader in 1967. Cliff retired briefly on two occasions, each time returning to the Department to do the work that he enjoyed. He retired for good in December, 1982 after having worked for the Department a total of 37 years. Cliff was appointed to a 2 year term as a member of the Oklahoma Employee Suggestion Committee by Governor David Hall in July, 1971. He was recognized and commended by the Oklahoma State Senate under Senate Concurrent Resolution #47 in April, 1973 for his outstanding service to the Department and his humanitarian spirit as put into practice. In 1983, Governor George Nigh recognized Cliff for his 42 years of dedicated public service. Cliff was preceded in death by his beloved spouse of 54 years, Alice N. Burns on November 23, 1992, as well as his parents, two sisters and two of his brothers. He is survived by two brothers, Lloyd & Beryle Burns of Riverbank, California; brother-in-law, Warren Myers of Norman, OK; three nieces, Gail Troxell of Cleveland, OK, Sherry Tatge of Norman, OK, Joyce Johnson of Sacramento, CA; two nephews, Jeffrey & Steven Burns of Riverbank, California. Donations can be made to the Free to Live animal sanctuary, PO Box 5884, Edmond, OK 73083. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday, February 13, 2007 at Guardian North Funeral Home, 11600 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City. Services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at the First Methodist Church located at 131 NW 4th St. in downtown Oklahoma City. Interment will follow at Norman IOOF Cemetery in Norman, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith~Parks Funeral Service in Harrah, OK.