Clifton Wayne Verhines, affectionately known as Cliff or Sonny, passed away on Friday, July
26, 2024, at the age of 94 in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. A Celebration of Life will be held at
10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Kingfisher First United Methodist Church, 1800
South 13th Street, Kingfisher, OK, USA, with Pastor Jennifer Long officiating. Burial will
follow at Kingfisher Cemetery, under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.
Clifton was born on October 10, 1929, in Custer County, Weatherford, Oklahoma, to Clifford
Verhines and Annie (Musselman) Verhines. He graduated from Loyal High School in 1947 and
furthered his education at a trade school in Oklahoma City, where he trained in Machinist and
Auto Body & Paint.
On September 11, 1949, Clifton married Pauline Kadavy at the Kingfisher First United
Methodist Church. Their 68-year marriage was a testament to their faith, as both credited the
Lord Jesus Christ for the strength and success of their union. Clifton and Pauline raised their
three children, Jerrie, Rick, and Steve, in Loyal, Oklahoma.
Clifton dedicated 30 years to Pioneer Telephone Company, where he worked in various
departments, including cable splicing, repair, engineering, and the warehouse. He also farmed
throughout his life.
The greatest joy of his retirement was spending time with loved ones, friends, and those in the
Kingfisher community. He also enjoyed a good game of pool and a few hours in his wood shop
building the new and fixing the old. Cliff never met anything broken, object or man, that he
didn’t try to help. He had a deep love of basketball, both small town Lomega and big city
Thunder. He also loved chicken fried steak from Sunrise Café, working in the garden, coffee
with his co-op friends, and road trips with his family.
Clifton was a devoted Christian, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and
great-great-grandfather. He deeply loved his family, Pauline’s family, and his community. He
was also a friend to many, known for his big hugs and positive, joyful, encouraging spirit.
He is survived by his daughter Jerrie Duffy of Piedmont; son Rick and Akiko Verhines of Plano,
Texas; daughter-in-law Sheila Verhines of Chickasha; grandchildren: Lori and Chris Phillips;
Michael Verhines and Sheryll Stewart; Lisa and Chris Ritchie; Garett Verhines and Amy Adams;
Lacey Duffy; Dustin Verhines; Aaron Verhines; Jennifer Verhines; and Ashley Verhines; 12
great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and numerous nephews, nieces, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Annie Verhines; wife Pauline Verhines;
son Steve Verhines; son-in-law Greg Duffy; sister Lorene Hill; sister Vivian Hawkins; and
brother-in-law Floyd Hawkins.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be sent to the First United
Methodist Church of Kingfisher Building Fund, PO Box 165, Kingfisher, OK 73750.
