Clifton ‘Sonny’ Verhines
Clifton Wayne Verhines, affectionately known as Cliff or Sonny, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at the age of 94 in Kingfisher.
A celebration of life was Wednesday, July 31, at Kingfisher First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Jennifer Long offi ciating. Burial followed at Kingfisher Cemetery, under the direction of Sanders Funeral Service.
Clifton was born Oct. 10, 1929, in Weatherford to Clifford Verhines and Annie (Musselman) Verhines.
He graduated from Loyal High School in 1947 and furthered his education at a trade school in Oklahoma City, where he trained in machinist and auto body and paint.
On September 11, 1949, Clifton married Pauline Kadavy at the Kingfisher First United Methodist Church. Their 68-year marriage was a testament to their faith, as both credited the Lord Jesus Christ for the strength and success of their union.
Clifton and Pauline raised their three children - Jerrie, Rick and Steve - in Loyal.
Clifton dedicated 30 years to Pioneer Telephone Company, where he worked in various departments, including cable splicing, repair, engineering and the warehouse. He also farmed throughout his life.
The greatest joy of his retirement was spending time with loved ones, friends and those in the Kingfisher community. He also enjoyed a good game of pool and a few hours in his wood shop building the new and fixing the old.
Cliff never met anything broken, object or man, that he didn’t try to help. He had a deep love of basketball, both small-town Lomega and big-city Thunder.
He also loved chicken fried steak from Sunrise Café, working in the garden, coffee with his co-op friends and road trips with his family.
Clifton was a devoted Christian, husband, brother, father, grandfacontract ther, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. He deeply loved his family, Pauline’s family and his community. He was also a friend to many, known for his big hugs and positive, joyful, encouraging spirit.
He is survived by his daughter Jerrie Duffy of Piedmont; son Rick and Akiko Verhines of Plano, Texas; daughter-in-law Sheila Verhines of Chickasha; grandchildren Lori and Chris Phillips, Michael Verhines and Sheryll Stewart, Lisa and Chris Ritchie, Garett Verhines and Amy Adams, Lacey Duffy, Dustin Verhines, Aaron Verhines, Jennifer Verhines and Ashley Verhines; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Annie Verhines; wife Pauline Verhines; son Steve Verhines; son-in-law Greg Duffy; sister Lorene Hill; sister Vivian Hawkins; and brother-in-law Floyd Hawkins.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Kingfi sher Building Fund, P.O. Box 165, Kingfisher, OK 73750.