He played high school football for the Gothenburg Swedes and was selected as captain of the first team Southwest Conference football honor team, as was his father, making them the first father-son selection in Gothenburg football history. He graduated from UNL with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and served in the United States Marine Corps in Vietnam. Cliff enjoyed refereeing high school football and basketball games.
He was a member of Indian Hills Community Church, loving his heavenly Father and reading the Bible daily. He remained devoted to his family throughout his life, coaching his son’s youth sports teams and serving as Cubmaster in scouts. Cliff was a skilled handyman, taking great joy in working on projects of all sizes for family and friends, completing each with the utmost skill and craftsmanship. Loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a man of integrity, honesty, and perseverance, always looking for opportunities to help others.
Family members include his wife, Debra Thomas; son David (Caitlyn) Thomas, Washington, DC; daughter Elizabeth (Wei Loon) Ooi, Ashburn, VA; grandchildren Daniel and Nicholas Ooi and Claire Thomas; brother Bill Thomas; sisters Jackie Nicholson and Ginger Thomas; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and sister Teri.
Memorial service: 10:00 am Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at Indian Hills Community Church, 1000 S. 84th Street. Viewing one hour prior at the church.
Memorials to Indian Hills Community Church and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.