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Clifford "Cliff" Feesof Philip, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, June 16, 2015
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Clifford LeRoy Fees was born January 29, 1927 at the Fees Ranch in western Jackson County, the son of Burton and Viola (Odefey) Fees.
He grew up on the ranch and received his elementary education at Big Buffalo Rural School. He then attended Cottonwood High School for three years and Quinn High School his Senior year, graduating in 1944.
Cliff worked for several area ranchers and in 1949 took over the Fees Ranch that he later purchased.
Cliff was united in marriage to Ann Ward on June 12, 1951, and to this union were born five children: Veryl, Kelly, Howard, Donald, and Sheri.
Cliff and Ann farmed and ranched in western Jackson County most of their lives. During this time they also purchased the Ward Ranch in 1963 and moved to that location. They later sold the Fees Ranch to their son Kelly, and in February 2002 sold the Ward ranch but continued to live there on a forty acre lifetime estate.
Cliff was active in 4-H and was secretary- treasurer of the Fairview School District, President of the White River Grazing Association, and President and secretary- treasurer of the Cottonwood Roping Club for many years. Cliff was a member of the Philip United Church.
He was very active in Masonry, Eastern Star, and Shrine having served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge, Past Patron of the Eastern Star, 4 Rivers Shrine Club President, and was a 32 degree mason.
Cliff enjoyed the outdoors, farming, ranching, and was an avid fisherman and hunter.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Ann; four sons, Veryl and Carol of Des Moines, Iowa, Kelly and Deanna Fees of Hart Ranch, and Donald and Carmen Fees of Philip, South Dakota, Howard of Kent, Minnesota, Sheri and Dennis Holloway of Hillsborough, North Carolina; 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Arlene of Sturgis, South Dakota; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services were held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Visitation was 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 26 at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the Masonic Lodge #153 of Philip, and the NAJA Shriners.
Funeral Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27 at the United Church in Philip.
Visitation: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, June 26 at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery.