Cliff Raymond Blackwelder passed away, Sunday, October 15, 2023. A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the First Christian Church in Stillwater. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.


Cliff was born to Luther and Marie (Terry) Blackwelder on February 1, 1931 in Cache, Oklahoma. Cliff graduated from Lawton High School and went to Cameron Junior College, where he met the love of his life, Joan Barnett. Cliff and Joan began their life together in Stillwater, as Cliff finished his degree at Oklahoma A&M. Cliff worked as a sales engineer for oil refinery companies. Over the years, they lived in Odessa, Monahans, Andrews, Richardson and Conroe, Texas as well as Lawton and Tulsa. They were fortunate to have dear friends in every place they lived. Upon retirement, Cliff and Joan returned to Stillwater, to be close to family and their beloved Cowboys.


Dad taught us the importance of faith, family and hard work. He taught us the importance of valuing others. He taught us to be accepting of others and their circumstances; that everyone has a story that we might not be aware of and that we can all use a hand at times.


His love for Mom was unwavering-67 years together prospered from a shared faith and commitment built on love and grace. He especially treasured time with his grandchildren. He loved nothing more than a quick call or visit to learn what was going on in their lives. He was proud to share their accomplishments and appreciated their hard work and success.


Dad was "Loyal and True!" He loved OSU sports and had football, wrestling and girls basketball tickets for more than 25 years. He looked forward to football starting every year and was able to attend the first game of this season. Just this past week we were talking about the weather changing and the hospice nurse asked Dad what his favorite season of the year was-his reply was "football season!"


We grew up thinking that moving every other year was normal. We lived in nine towns and cities, and always in more than one house in each town. Dad always reminded us that we never lost a friend by moving, just gained more. Our church and neighbors became our chosen family in those towns, and lifelong friends thereafter.


Growing up we went camping in northern New Mexico with our grandparents every summer. Dad loved to fly fish and would teach anyone willing to learn how to fish for trout. New Mexico is a place our family spent many fun times together and a place we will always visit. Cliff's wishes will be honored, and he will be returned to those mountains in New Mexico, one last time, to the place he loved most of all, to join Joan, one last time.


Cliff is survived by his children, Jill Blackwelder, Jim and Nancy Blackwelder, Terry Miller and Gay Washington; grandchildren, John and Amy Blackwelder, Jason and Tiffany Blackwelder, Tim Washington, and Philip and Brenton Washington.


In lieu of customary remembrances the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Helping Hands Fund at First Christian Church, 411 W. Mathews Ave. Stillwater, OK. 74075