Clifford E. Jones, 96, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish.

Clifford was born Aug. 8, 1911, in Garden City, Kan., to David and Verna Jones.

At an early age he moved to Billings, and graduated in 1932 from Billings High School where he was captain of both the football and basketball teams during his senior year. After graduation he attended the University of Montana.

Clifford married Dorothy Cooper from Billings on Aug. 30, 1941. They lived in Glasgow, then moved to Havre and finally to Harlowton in 1948 where Clifford was area manager for Mountain States Tel. & Tel. He retired in 1973.

A dedicated community member, Clifford served on the Harlowton City Council and was assistant fire chief of the local Fire Department. He organized and coached Little League baseball teams. He was also a member of the Black Horse Patrol, the Masonic Lodge and president of the Kiwanis Club.

Cliff enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid and talented trout fisherman, hunter and golfer.

Clifford and Dorothy moved to Escondido, Calif., in 1981 and later to Camarillo, Calif. They returned to Billings in 2000 and then moved to Whitefish, in 2004.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Fred and Roland; and sisters, Virginia and Lenore.

Clifford is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, William D., and daughter-in-law, Clemence, of Columbia Falls; grandson, Austen of Torrance, Calif.; granddaughter, Darcy, of New York, N.Y.; and brother-in-law, John Cooper, of Big Timber.

Clifford was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Billings.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Billings.