Clifford E. Sumner Thief River Falls, MN age 74 died peacefully on Saturday, December 27, 2014 the Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls, MN with his loving family at his side. Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 2, 2015 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Burial will be at First Lutheran Cemetery in Middle River, MN. Clifford Eugene Sumner was born on July 23, 1940 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of Art and Mildred (Jergens) Sumner. He attended elementary school in Strathcona, MN, Greenbush High School graduating with the class of 1958. He entered into service with the United States Navy on December 16, 1958. Cliff served aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Valley Forge. He served his country proudly at a time of war and was Honorably Discharged on August 15, 1962. Following his discharge, Cliff returned to live in Strathcona where he met his future wife, Maxine Nelson at a country dance. The couple was married on October 30, 1964 in Sisseton, SD and made their home briefly in Strathcona before settling in Thief River Falls, MN. To this union two sons were born, Darrin and David. Clifford went to work for Arctic Cat starting as a fork lift driver working his way into Production Superintendent. When Arctic closed their doors briefly in 1981, Cliff relocated his family to Valley City, ND where he worked at Tri W.G. as their production and marketing executive. In 1988 Cliff and Maxine returned to live in Thief River Falls where his love of education and personal development led him to Northland Technical & Community College. He excelled and graduated with honors in the field of electronics. At that time, Cliff gained employment at Seven Clans Casino where he was the Chief Slot Machine Technician retiring in 2002. Cliff was a Boy Scout Leader with Troop 59 in Thief River Falls and Troop 560 in Valley City where he assisted many young men to be community minded and achieve the highest goal of Eagle Scout. Cliff was very proud of his two sons who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoyed boating, fishing, traveling with Maxine and children, and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and cat, Kazan. Cliff was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2793 and the American Legion Post 117. Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Maxine of Thief River Falls, MN; sons, Darrin (Tammy) Sumner of Rochester, MN and Dave (Susan) Sumner of Warren, MN; grandchildren, John, Bryan & Miranda Sumner; great-grandchildren, Kyra, Amora & John, Jr. Sumner; siblings, Bonnie Hanson, Janice (Wayne) Jamis and Arthur (Sandi) Sumner, Jr.; and several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bill Sumner, Larry Sumner and Linda Hayes. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com In lieu of flowers or gifts of money, donations to Pennington County Humane Society are appreciated