Clifford James (Clip) Bland, 84, El Dorado Springs, was born Nov. 23, 1924, the ninth child of George Anderson and Mary Roe Bland in rural St. Clair County near Blackjack. He passed away July 14, 2009.
On Sept. 13, 1953, Clip was married to Leona Messick. To this union were born two sons, James Brent and Kirk Alan.
Clip served in the U. S. Army for two years in Fort Leonard Wood, Fort Ben Harrison, IN, and Korea.
He was a dedicated Christian and his everyday life exemplified this. He had an unwavering passion for the automobile business and worked it for nearly 60 years. Before his illness, he was still as active as he could be working with his sons at the dealership.
Clip was never very outspoken about his Christianity but in his last weeks he was fervent in his desire to go “Home” and he openly shared it. He knew the assurance of living in Heaven forever was the benefit of serving God in this life.
As we remember this man and celebrate his promotion to Glory, let’s not only remember what he gave us here but what he has left us: A priceless legacy, a path to follow and a place to arrive, where all is well forever.
Preceding Clip in death were his parents, five brothers, two sisters, and his grandson, Dustin.
His survivors are his wife, Leona - of the home; two sons and wives: Brent and Jennifer - El Dorado Springs, and Kirk and Kerri - El Dorado Springs; a grandson, Tyler Bland - Kansas City; two granddaughters, Kasi and Alyson Bland - El Dorado Springs; his brother, Leo Bland, and wife, Hallie - El Dorado Springs; two sisters, Alvetta Allen – Colorado, and Ellen Eslinger - California; many nieces and nephews, and many, many friends and acquaintances.
Services were held on Friday, July 17, in the El Dorado Springs Church of God (Holiness) with Rev. Brent Bland and Rev. Kenneth Smith officiating. Jimmy and Carolyn Tucker provided music. Interment followed in the El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were - Tyler Bland, Maurice Bland, George Eslinger, Randall E. Bland, Larry Bland, Ron Bland, Kyle Bland and Lyle Bland. Honorary pallbearers were - Junior Bland, Bennie Harper, John Sayre, Gaylen Bland, Randall L. Bland, Rex Diehl, Dwayne Wallen, Charlie Prough and Damon Edmiston.
Donations in memory of Clifford Bland may be made to the El Dorado Springs Community Church.
