Clifford Edsel Nottingham

Clifford Edsel Nottingham, 88, of Stillwater, passed from this life on Wednesday, January 18, 2012. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Perkins and will be held on Saturday, January21, 2012 at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home located at 304 N. Main in Perkins. Visitation will be held on Friday from Noon-8pm with family greeting friends at the funeral home from 6-8pm. Friends are invited to join the family for a meal at the funeral home at 12:30pm on Saturday prior to the service.

Clifford was born on March 1, 1923 to Oliver Jess and Mintie Barbria (Ventris) Nottingham in Paradise, OK in rural Payne County. He was raised and educated in Payne County. After finishing school, Clifford went to work on his familys farm. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Army. He served in the Signal Corps and was proud to be a part of 5 separate invasions in the European Theater. He served in France, Germany, Egypt, Africa, and Austria. Clifford enjoyed liberating forces and he especially enjoyed the celebrations that took place after the liberations. He spent several days hiding out on an American friendly farm after accidently riding his motorcycle across enemy lines. He was eventually rescued by U.S. Forces. Clifford spent his last few weeks of the war as a P.O.W. in Austria.

In 1945, he returned to Oklahoma. One day while he was out for a drive, he spotted a beautiful young woman whose skittish horse refused to cross a rural bridge. Clifford ceased the opportunity to help walk the horse across the bridge and shortly after, he married the beautiful girl, Geraldean L. Case. Clifford and Geraldean settled on a farm near Stillwater where they raised their four children.

In 1952, Clifford went to work as a lineman for the City of Stillwater, as well as several other municipalities in the surrounding area. In the early 1960s, he spent several years as a high power electrician for Oklahoma State University. After leaving the university, he worked as a freelance construction and ranch worker, before retuning to the family farm to take care of his elderly father.

Clifford Nottingham was a kind man who enjoyed teaching his children to hunt and fish. He loved farming and other outdoor activities and was a member of the American Legion. He was a perfectionist who will be remembered for his ornery sense of humor, his smile, and his love for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Clifford is survived by his two sons: Bill R. Nottingham of Colorado Springs, CO and Charles F. Case and wife Brenda, of Stillwater, OK. Two Daughters: Sandra Adams and husband Frank, and Patsy Condit, both of Stillwater, OK. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and 2 grandchildren.

In lieu of Flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Legion.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook and a memorial video may be viewed at www.pmcfh.com