SYMONDS CLIFTON D

1LT Clifton D. Symonds was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 04/13/2025 at the age of 89.4
La Follette, TN
Flight Class 69-34
Date of Birth 11/13/1935
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by Obit

More detail on this person: Clifton "Cliff" Dale Symonds of Willcox passed away in Thatcher, Sunday morning, April 13, 2025, at the age of 89. Clif f was born in Trenary, Michigan on November 13, 1935, to George Symonds and Charlotte Williams. In 2009 he married his wife Bonnie who survives him, he is also survived by children John Henry (Robin) Symonds and Georgia Marie Bergan along with five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him. Cliff served in communications for the army and spent time in Turkey, France, and California and Arlington, VA. While serving in Hawaii he got his fixed wing pilots license and enjoyed taking his family on flights around the islands. When stationed in California he became interested in becoming an officer and was accepted in the training Program. He then went to a helicopter school, stationed at Ft. Huachuca. Cliff was sent to Vietnam, while there obtained the rank of captain. After his time in the military he worked for Dunlap oil then became employed at Fort Grant. He then moved to Michigan becoming a bus driver then working several years for General Motors. Cliff retired from there and moved to Tennessee, eventually coming back to Arizona in 2009. Cliff enjoyed having his family around for special dinners, he was delighted in being around his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cliff enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his friend Art. He especially loved working with habitat for humanity and spending time in his shop. He enjoyed building things there. Cliff was very generous with his resources of knowledge, so willing to share. He continued to show his caring for others through his extraordinary life. Memorial Services will be at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Westlawn Chapel. Military interment will be 11:00 am on Tue, May 6, 2025, at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sierra Vista. Please

Burial information: Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Sierra Vista, A

This information was last updated 01/04/2026

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Date posted on this site: 02/07/2026