Douglas D. Ratcliff, age 85, Clinton, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at Westwood Living Center, Clinton.
Douglas was born the son of Harold and Irene Cornett Ratcliff on a farm outside of Piedmont, Oklahoma. The Ratcliff family is well known as early settlers in Canadian County. He loved farming and would join his friends harvesting out west during the summers. Douglas graduated from Piedmont High School in May of 1953. He found and married the ‘love of his life’ Shirley Jean Jones in Cameron, Missouri in May of 1957.
During the early days of their marriage Douglas served in the Air Force Reserves. During his career, he loved operating heavy equipment and at one point was a long distance truck driver. As he raised his family, he was eventually moved into a construction management position. Douglas and Shirley eventually retired to Clinton in 2006. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 101, the Elks Lodge and the Eagles Arie, as well as the United Methodist Church, all of Clinton.
Survivors include his wife Shirley of the home; his son Gregory Ratcliff and his spouse Dr. Glen Gabert of Chicago; his beloved sister Linda Kalka and her spouse LeeRoy Kalka of Davenport, Oklahoma. In addition, Douglas enjoyed 5 nieces and nephews and their families, and numerous friends and business associates.
The family will receive visitors at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at Consalus Funeral Home, with a memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m.
The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to Clinton United Methodist Church, and may be left in care of Consalus Funeral Home, 209 S. 2nd St., Clinton, MO 64735.
Condolences may be left online at www.ConsalusFuneralHome.com.
