Clifford E. Avery

Clifford E. Avery, age 88 of Midland, died Thursday July 23, 2009 at MidMichigan Medical Center. The son of the late Archie and Ruby Avery was born in Nirvana, Lake County, Michigan on August 17, 1920 where he was raised and educated. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Clifford was employed with The Dow Chemical Company until retiring in 1980 after 35 years of service. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, gardening and traveling. Clifford also enjoyed watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren at their sporting events. He was a member of the Midland VFW Post 3651 and the American Legion Berryhill Post 165. On May 2, 1942 in Midland, Clifford married the former Thelma Badour. After 57 years of marriage she died on June 14, 1999.

Surviving are his son, George (Carolyn) Avery of Freeland; daughter, Connie (Ronald) Barczak of Portage; grandchildren, Ronald (Ann) Barczak, Jeffrey (Karson) Barczak all of Tennessee, Kevin Barczak of Grand Rapids, Michelle Barczak of Boston and Brent (Pamela) Avery of Midland; great grandchildren, Collin & Carter Barczak, Braden & Ava Barczak, Abigail, Emma and Elizabeth Avery; brother, Robert (Polly) Avery of Midland, sisters, Marilyn (Don) Kisser of Hope, Donna (Don) Ward of Freeland; many nieces and nephews; special friend and companion, Anna Friedle and daughter, Shannon (Jim) Clay and "little" Anna. Clifford was preceded in death by a sister, Fern Youngs.

Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday July 29, 2009 at Blessed Sacrament Church. Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny will officiate. The Rite of Committal will be in Midland City Cemetery with military rites under the auspice of the U.S. Army Funeral Honors and Midland Area Veterans. Family and Friends may visit at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A Christian Vigil Service will take place Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorials may be offered to Toni and Trish House.