Lt. Col. Clifford T. Manlove (Ret.) was born on November 12, 1917 in Wood River, Illinois and departed this life on May 20, 2015 at the Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter at the age of 97.
Mr. Manlove was a Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dexter, American Legion Post #59, Dexter Elks Lodge and the Daedalians Fraternity of Military Pilots.
Growing up in Dexter, Manlove was inspired by the great pilot of the day, Charles A. Lindbergh. Enrolling at Purdue University in 1936, he obtained two years of college credit to begin his aviation dream. Clifford Manlove enlisted in the U.S. Army Corp on Aug. 15, 1941, as an Aviation Cadet. Continuing to chase the dream, he graduated from Advance Pilot training on March 16, 1942, as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Our home town hero went on to fly a myriad of different aircraft in his career from a B-17 bomber to a P-51 fighter in World War Two and then flew transport aircraft in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, which is a military decoration awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. Retiring from the military on May 31, 1969, after 28 years, Manlove returned to Dexter with his beloved wife June, and their five sons and one daughter. Throughout the years, Cliff Manlove has fulfilled many tasks, including Chairman of the Dexter Airport's governing board and Grand Marshall of all Veteran's Day parades since 1969.
On March 16, 1942 he married June Blakeney in Sacramento, California. Mrs. Manlove survives of their residence in Dexter.
Besides his wife he is survived by five sons, Dexter Manlove of Dallas, Texas, Clifford T. Manlove II of Perryville, Missouri, Mark Manlove of San Diego, California, Jon Manlove of Walnut Creek, California and Kirk Manlove of Springfield, Missouri; by one daughter, Donna McGhee of Clarksville, Tennessee; by eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, James Manlove.
Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 9:30 A.M. until 11:30 A.M.
A grave-side service will be conducted on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield at 12:00 P.M. (NOON) with Dr. Barry Winders officiating.
