Clifford Eugene Carr, 80 years and one day, of Anita, Iowa, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, Iowa.
Clifford was born on March 4, 1943, in Atlantic, Iowa to Eugene and Dolores (Wahelleber) Carr of Anita. After beginning in a one room country school in rural Anita, he attended schools in Wiota, Casey and Des Moines Lincoln. He graduated from Des Moines Tech in January of 1961, always remembering the ceremony was at 8:00 p.m. and getting on a plane at 10:00 p.m. to serve his country in the Air Force where his tour of duty was in the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1965. While in the service, Clifford married Ann Debosis from Newburgh, New York. To this marriage two children were born; Theresa and James. After his divorce, he reconnected with a friend from High School, Joye E. Adamsen, from Des Moines. They were united in marriage on April 19, 1969, and to this union Clifford, Jr. and Clinton were born.
Clifford lived a very active life. He was a life-long member of the American Legion, served as State Commander for the Sons of the American Legion. In 1968, he served as Technical Advisor and had his own part in the movie “Fever Heat,” staring Nick Adams and Jennen Riley, and filmed in Stuart, Iowa. He served as a Police Officer in Atlantic, Stuart and Anita, Iowa and worked for the City of Casey, Iowa. Cliff also owned and operated a garage, doing mechanical work on all types of vehicles. In addition, Clifford enjoyed his trucking days, going cross-country, seeing many places and different states where he met countless new friends.
Music and coon hunting were Clifford’s passions. He promoted and organized the Avoca Country Music Jamboree for 12 years in Avoca, Iowa, performing at different events, playing stand-up bass with “Just Cliff and Friends” and “The Lariat Band”. He also held dinner shows at the Anita Café, Dexter Round House and the Casey Café. He especially enjoyed watching his dogs excel in coon hunting competitions and shows where they were able to win many awards and trophies throughout the years. Clifford later added award winning mules to his coon hunting events where his pride and joy was his mule, Sarah Ann.
His warm personality complemented his restaurant days owning the Anita Café for 16 years and the Casey Café for 4 years. He owned and operated C&N Concession going to county fairs, special events, auctions and catering. Clifford always enjoyed a friendly conversation and never knew a stranger.
Clifford is survived by his sister, Marlyce Carr; sons, James Carr, Clifford Jr. “Butch” Carr, Clinton Carr and Billy Simon; daughters, Theresa “Teri” Jeanne Cohrs and Tracy (Bob) Jacobson; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, friends and special friend Nadine Bender.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Joye Carr; parents, Eugene and Dolores Carr; grandparents, Earl and Rita Carr and Fred and Mabal Wahelleber; brother, Robert “Bob” Carr, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Visitation with family present will begin at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 13th at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Anita followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00. Burial will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita immediately following the service with the Atlantic Color Guard performing full military honors. A luncheon at the church fellowship hall will follow the burial.
Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Clifford’s family and his arrangements.
