CLIFFORD ALBERT ANDERSON

September 2, 1933 - May 9, 2026

Just two years after the Lake of the Ozarks was formed on the Osage River, Clifford Albert Anderson was born to Henry and Vera Anderson on September 2, 1933 in Missouri. Cliff's account to his family was that he was born in a tent on a wheat field on the riverbank just outside of the town of Camdenton. He was the first-born child, followed by Neil, then John and David. After Missouri, they moved to Oklahoma, and later to Washington.

Cliff met Betty at their high school in Sunnyside, Washington. Betty worked part-time in the school office and often wrote notes for Cliff so he could ditch class and go fishing. Cliff and Betty married on January 3, 1950 in Everett, Washington.

In his early work-years, Cliff got experience in a variety of trades, including candy maker, moving houses, and working on a fishing boat in Alaska.

In his early 20's, Cliff became a pipefitter. He joined the Pipefitters Union in 1954 and was the 50th man hired to work at the Nevada Test Site. The official name of the union was the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe-Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, and Cliff maintained his membership for 72 years. His first job at the Test Site was transporting blueprints for the extensive tunnel system.

Cliff and Betty had four children: Pennie, Pattie, Terrie and Jerry. Over the years, they moved to wherever the work was. They lived off and on in Las Vegas over the space of 40 years, punctuated by a few years in Alaska, as well as short stays in northern Nevada, Minnesota and Arizona.

Following a work-accident that crushed his legs, Cliff eventually acknowledged that he had to retire—but he still maintained his union membership. He recovered from the accident and continued to do whatever needed to be done—from car repairs, to fixing whatever needed to be fixed, to using a chain saw to cut a king-size bed in half so Betty could have a "hospital bed."

Having retired to Pahrump in 1992, Cliff and Betty came to Pahrump Community Church, and Cliff began studying the Bible and re-established a personal relationship with the Lord. He officially joined the church in 1998. In his testimony of faith, Cliff acknowledged a belief in Christ from childhood, and even that he was baptized in his late 20's, but he admitted that he did not consistently live in a Christian manner, repeatedly falling back into the ways of the world. Though he said he always prayed for forgiveness, it seems that it was here, in his mid-60's, that Cliff confirmed a genuine saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It was at PCC that he was baptized again. In his own words, Cliff felt like he wasn't sure the first one "took", so he wanted a "do-over."

In the early 2000's, in response to a challenge from Pastor Bauer, they began a home Bible study group that continued for about fifteen years. Additionally, Cliff became a permanent fixture at weekly Bible studies held on church campus. He often claimed to know little-to-nothing about the Bible, but those who were also a part of these studies knew Cliff as a sincere, devoted student of the Word who was up-beat, constantly growing in his faith, and a joy to be around.

Betty's health began steadily declining after a heart attack in 2000, and Cliff lovingly cared for her through the years. She passed away in January 2017.

One of the fellow members of PCC who became a dear friend to Cliff was Mary Bonham. Two and a half years after Betty's homegoing, Cliff and Mary married on June 15, 2019.

These last years have had ups and downs due to age-related health issues, the covid years, and additional difficult family deaths, but Cliff, in answer to every question regarding how he was doing, would always respond, "Great!" Obviously, his health was not great, but his faith was! He was confident in the Lord's salvation and was looking forward to Heaven! Jesus called him home on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 92 years of age.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Vera Anderson; and by Betty—his first wife of 67 years. He was also preceded by his brothers Neil, John and David; his daughter Pennie Faye and by Pennie's husband Robert Leighton; his son-in-law Kenneth Randall, and son-in-law Eddie LaRue, and grandson Ed, Jr.

Cliff is survived by Mary—his wife of almost seven years; his children Pattie, Terrie, and Jerry (all of Pahrump); grandchildren: Clifford Leighton, Michael Leighton, Whitney Anderson; and Yesenia LaRue; and eight great-grandchildren.

Cliff is dearly loved and will be truly missed, but we can look forward to a grand reunion in glory when all God's children through faith in Jesus will be forever with the Lord!

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026 in the Multi-Purpose Building of Pahrump Community Church, 1061 E. Wilson Road (use the West St entrance).

Donations to the Pahrump Community Church Benevolence Fund may be made in Cliff's honor.