Clifton L. Lease, 91, passed away peacefully April 13 at his home in Ripon surrounded by his family. He was born to Roy and Bernice Lease of Escalon where he grew up. After high school Cliff joined the military serving 27 years fighting in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. He had the distinction of working at the highly secured Air Force Base (NORAD) in Cheyenne CO monitoring missiles. After retiring he became involved in the food industry as a chef and restaurant owner.
Cliff was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, Robert, of Escalon, wife, Dorothy, of Ripon and stepson James Shipley. He is survived by his sister Lorraine Robinson of Modesto, stepson Don Shipley (Kelly) of Ripon, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The family wants to thank the many neighbors and close friends of the Ripon VFW Post 1051 for the help, love and support given to Cliff over the years and especially during the past three months.
A memorial is planned for May 15 at 2pm at the Ripon VFW Post 1051. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to VFW Post 1051, 12455 W. Ripon Road, Ripon CA 95366.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
May 4, 2016