Clifford Wingo

Clifford Oril Wingo, son of Clarence O. Wingo and Nellie Emmaline (Plaster) Wingo, was born May 4, 1930, in Seymour, Missouri, and departed this life April 15, 2025, at his home in Mansfield, Missouri, at the age of 94 years, 11 months, and 18 days.

He was united in marriage to Jerlene (Jerrie) Chapman Wingo. To this union, four children were born.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Ricky Lee Wingo; brother, Willard Wingo; son-in-law, Doug Jones; and a niece, Debbie Wingo Stover.

Clifford is survived by three daughters, Calleen Jones of Mansfield, Missouri, Kathy Angi and husband, Ken of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Paula Smith and husband, Rob of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Evan Jones of Springfield, Missouri, Colton Jones and wife, Chelsea of Mansfield, Missouri, Taylor Angi of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Connor Angi and wife, Molly of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Maegan Smith of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; four great-grandchildren, Addison, Sikes, and Reece Jones, and Walker Angi; one sister, Willma Rains; one brother, Clay Wingo; nieces, Glenda Lara, Teresa Brooks, and Carla Sue Kirkland; nephews, Clay Wingo Jr. and Randy Rains; numerous great nephews and nieces, other relatives, dear friends,- and the guys from the golf course.

Clifford attended rural schoolhouses in Webster and Wright Counties. He often talked about the journey to and from school, on foot, while attending the #5 School House. Clifford reminisced about many things, one of which was how the boys would stop along the way to help neighboring farmers herd hogs or cattle.

After graduating from Mansfield Schools in 1948, Clifford joined the service. He served four years during the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. The first three years were spent at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. His last year was spent at Kisarazu, Japan. While in Japan, Clifford enjoyed traveling through the cities and countryside by bicycle, photographing the architecture and beautiful gardens.

When Clifford came home, he worked a variety of jobs. He worked at the cheese plant and worked as a logger for a short time in Northern California. Clifford, along with his brother, Williard, owned and operated the small café, Wingo’s Liberty Café, located on the north side of the square in Mansfield. His sister, Wilma, helped as a waitress. Clifford and Wilma also owned and operated Wingo’s Grocery.

He worked at the Tobin Hamilton Shoe Factory as a foreman in the Shipping Department. After the shoe factory was sold, Clifford became the Hospital Administrator of the Mansfield Community Hospital. The hospital was located where City Hall currently sits. Clifford was instrumental in helping with the building of the new Tri-County Hospital. He became the Hospital Purchasing Agent for all departments. He also served as the Administrator for a short time. After working at the hospital, Clifford changed directions and became a Mansfield City Police Officer. He attended the Academy in Jefferson City, Missouri, to complete his law enforcement training. Clifford served as a Mansfield Police Officer until his retirement in December of 1995.

Clifford’s service to the community didn’t end there. He served as a city councilman for several terms. During that time, he was instrumental in the construction of the Ann Short Community Center and the Mansfield Park Walking Trail. Clifford volunteered daily, receiving the State of Missouri Senior Citizen Award for the most volunteer hours contributed in the state of Missouri. He attended a ceremony in Jefferson City to accept the award presented by the Lieutenant Governor.

Clifford was saved and baptized as a teenager. He went on to serve as Sunday School Superintendent of the Mansfield First Baptist Church. He also sang in the choir and taught Sunday School classes.

Clifford loved all sports. He played basketball and baseball in high school, in addition to running track. While stationed in Japan, Clifford was a member of the Air Force intramural baseball team. Back home, he took up golf around age 32, and the rest, as they say, is history. He had a passion for the game, and in retirement, he played every day, weather permitting. Over the years, Clifford shot a hole-in-one nine times. His retelling of the story of his first hole-in-one always includes, “It was a par 3 and I made a bad shot. It hit a mound of dirt and kicked back to go into the hole.” In 2015, he shot two holes-in-one in less than two weeks.

Clifford was also a St. Louis Cardinals fan. His daughters have fond memories of sitting in the living room or lying in bed listening to the radio, with announcers, Jack Buck and Harry Caray.

One of the most enjoyable times in his life was watching his son-in-law, Doug Jones, coach baseball for the Mansfield Lions, especially when his grandsons, Evan and Colton, started playing. He also watched his great-granddaughter, Addie, and great-grandson, Sikes, play as well.

Clifford was a kind, loving, and friendly individual. His love for his community and efforts to improve the community and move forward were always at the forefront of his mind.

Clifford loved his family and loved spending time with them. Even though it might be short, he always made an appearance.

Clifford will be missed by many, including the girls at the café and community center. He will also be missed by those who saw him walking his two miles each morning, by the post office gang who saw him every day at 11:00, and by the golf course guys. But mostly, he will be missed by his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Clifford Wingo by clicking on the "Donate Now" link below or they may be left at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may also be made to the Douglas A. Jones Memorial Scholarship. Contributions may be left in the drop box at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mansfield or mailed to Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, 315 N. Main St. Mountain Grove, MO 65711.