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Dowie Clifford Cloninger
Carrollton &
Farmers Branch
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OBITUARY
 D. C.
Cloninger, of Burleson, TX. was born April 1, 1920 in Farmersville, TX. and died
Nov. 20, 2003 at his home. D.C. served in the Army during WWII in Italy. He
worked as an aircraft mechanic for 40 yrs., owning his own business, "D.C.'s
Aero Service" for 10 yrs. D.C. lived in Dallas for over 60 yrs. before moving to
Burleson in 1996. He became a faithful member of Old Town Country Church, in
Burleson and surrendered his life to Christ there. Survived by his wife of 65
yrs., Ada Putnam Cloninger; son, Doy Cloninger and wife, Debi; grandchildren,
Gary Cloninger and wife, Dannene, Caitlin Cloninger and Shannon Cloninger and
great-grandchildren, Laci and Levi Cloninger. Visitation will be Friday, Nov.
21, 2003 from 6-8 p.m. Graveside services will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003
at 2:00 p.m. at Keenan Cemetery in Farmers Branch, TX. Chaplain Doy Cloninger,
officiating. Dignity Memorial Rhoton Funeral Home I35 at Crosby Rd.
Carrollton (972) 242-5261 |
The Dallas Morning News - November 21, 2003
Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams |
 Doy
Clifford Cloninger was born April 1, 1920 to Charles and Ellen Shannon Cloninger
in Farmersville, Texas. Dowie grew up as a farm boy in Collin county during the
30's in the depresion years. There were hard times for he and his family as
sharecroppers, but times were made eaiser because of the closeness of thier
family. Doy had five brothers and two sisters and plenty of cousins from the
Shannon and Moorehead families.
The family closeness has remained through the years even as the family has
branched out. Doy attended school at Boggy and Nesrie in Collin County. He lived
near Farmersville until he was twelve years old in 1932. Doy and his mother
Ellen lived in McKinney for a short time before moving to Dallas in 1932.
One of Doy's first jobs away from the farm was a product of President
Roosevelt's
New Deal. He worked for The State of Texas building road side parks. Doy can
also remember making a trip to west Texas to pick cotton bowls with his brother
Edward and High Bowers Edward's brother in law. They made the trip in Edward's
1930 Chevy sedan. Doy said they stayed two weeks picking cotton. Making 35 cents
per 100 pounds of cotton bowls. They lived in a tent for two weeks while they
were doing there work.
They made there way back to Dallas and the industrial revolution had found The
Cloninger's. Doy's oldest brother Charles Edward had already been living in
Dallas and working in the textile business. Edward was quite a bit older at the
time he was 31 and married for nearly ten years. Soon the whole family had moved
to Love Field in Dallas, Texas to live and work at the Texas Textile Mill. Doy's
brothers and sisters had all married by this time and had children. They all
lived on the mill block. This mill block was housing for the mill workers and
thier families. Even some of his cousins form Farmersville came to work at the
mill. They were from his mothers side the Shannon's and Moreheads. Doy lived at
9022 Felder St and worked at the mill for 14 years.
The mill was unionized in the 30's and Doy was elected shop steward. He did not
really want the position he says. His fellow workers came round and told him
they were going to run him. Doy says he voted for his opponent, but still won.
On September 10,1938 Doy married Ada Mae Putnam. He had known her for quite some
time. Ada and her family lived on the mill block as well. On September 16,1941
their first son was born. Thomas Charles Cloninger. Named for his grandfathers
Thomas Putnam and Charles Cloninger.
Tom was a small boy when his father was drafted into military service WW2 on May
16,1944. Doy spent his basic training at Camp Walters, Texas. His military
occupation was a gun crewman. His workmanship badges included marksman with a
carbine June 27,1944. Decorations include Eame campaign medal with two bronze
stars and World War II victory medal. Doy was in The 616th Artillery Battalion.
Doy Clifford Cloninger honorably discharged at Camp Fannin, Texas November
18,1945.
The family moved to a different part of Dallas in 1948. The community of Field
City in North West Dallas near Farmers Branch, Texas. They lived in a house on
Fabens Rd east of Ables St. Doy went to work for Standard Coffee Company in 1949
driving a delivery truck, but had other ambitions as an aircraft mechanic. He was
going to school at night to get his aircraft mechanics license. This would be
his life's career for the next 40 years. Doy soon went to work as a mechanic in
Garland, Texas while completing his training.
In 1950 the family moved two miles north to 2415 Crown Rd in Dallas. Doy went to
work as an Aircraft Engine inspector in 1957 for Dallas Aero at love field
Airport. Doy and Ada had their second son Doy Clifford born August 4,1957.
Thomas Charles finally had the brother he had wanted, even if it has taken 16
years. When Doy Jr was three years old the family sold utilities rights to the
home on Crown Rd to make room for a new freeway. The freeway is now Interstate
35 known to Dallasites as Stemmons Freeway. The family home was near where I 35
and I 635 interchange.
On July 1,1961 the family bought a house they had been wanting for years. It was
just two miles west of there old house 11454 Newkirk. It also was a plus that
Ada's life long friend Lottie Blankinship Burden lived next door. The house was
bought for $10,000 and remodeled with another $6000. It was a small frame house
when they bought it ,but with the help of Doy's brother Frank, brother in law
Almar Ruledge and nephews Herman and Elmer Rutledge the house was the talk of
the neighborhood.
In 1968 Doy went to work for Airmotive Engineering in Dallas near downtown. on
Regal Row. In 1973 he started his own business at his home. D.C.'s Aero Service.
In 1976 his son Doy Jr worked with him at A.E.C. for two years. Doy retired in
1980 from A.E.C. at the age of 60 and devoted full time to his business. D.C.
built built quite a clientele in the next few years with very fair prices and
high quality work. He had customers form as far away as Arkansas. D.C. had a
process for aluminum coating aircraft engine cylinders. The process was matched
by none and had customers in from all over the southwest. The coating process
soon brought in customers with auto parts as well.
In 1995 Doy had the bad news of telling his customers he was retiring. At the
age of 75 he felt it was time to relax a while. His customers plee to stay in
business would be to no avail. It was time to hang up his tools. Hershal Tracy
his life long friend and customer would purchase his equipment and try to
satisfy all of D.C.'s customers. In December of 1995 Doy was diagnosed with
Clogged arteries and was hospitalized for surgery. The surgery was a success with
a triple bypass. Doy was released from the hospital on December 24 just in time
for Christmas. After several months of painful recovery is doing well.
According to Ada a little too well. In the spring of 1996 he was patching the
roof and painting the house. Some folks never retire. D.C. and Ada sold their
home in Dallas in the spring of 1997 and moved to Burleson, Texas 112 Wanda Way.
They lived near Doy Jr, wife Debi, grandkids Caitlin, Shannon, Gary and Wife
Danine and great grand daughter Lacy and great grandson Levi Clifford. Dad
passed away 11-20- 03 at his home in Burleson of Renal failure.
Funeral Service for D.C. Cloninger
November, 22, 2003 Farmers Branch Cemetery
Officiating Chaplain Doy Cloninger JR
Music Timothy Dennis and Doy Cloninger JR
2 Corinthians 3-5 What a wonderful God we have. He is the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy and the One who so wonderfully comforts
us in our hardships and trails. And why does He do this. So that when others are
troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this
same help and comfort God has given us.
Let us pray- Our father thank you for such a beautiful day and place for this
service. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this life we celebrate today.
May the truths of your word be evident to us today. Comfort us here now with
your great love. In Jesus name amen.
Song- Amazing Grace
This will be a simple service today. My dad told me he wanted that. Later in the
service I will ask if anyone with like to speak or share a remembrance of my dad.
You can prepare yourself now for that later.
D.C. Cloninger born April 1, 1920 Farmersville Texas. He went to meet his Lord
on the morning of November 20,2003. Survived by his wife of 65 years. Ada Mae
Putnam Cloninger of Burleson. Son Doy Cloninger JR and wife Debi Cloninger of
Burleson. Grandson Gary Cloninger and wife Danine Cloninger of Weatherford.
Granddaughters Shannon Cloninger and Caitlin Cloninger of Burleson. Great
granddaughter Laci Cloninger and great grandson Levi Cloninger both of
Weatherford.
D.C. is preceded in death by his parents Charles Cloninger 1946, and Ellen
Shannon Cloninger 1963, Son Thomas Charles Cloninger 1996, brothers Edward 1991,
Frank 1974, Alvis 2001, Merkle 1976 and J.C. 1994. Sisters Oma Lee 1989 and
Emily Dell 1990.
At a time like this I am reminded of a song "It is well with my soul"
It tells the story of Horatio Spafford and the pain he was feeling after a fire
in Chicago, which ruined him financially. If that was not enough all four of his
daughters were drowned in a shipwreck. A few weeks later as Spafford's ship was
passing the location where he lost his daughters he pined the words to the song
"It is well with my soul" These words tell us of the eternal hope that all
believers have in Christ Jesus. No matter the pain and grief we go through here
on earth. It is said The Holy Spirit inspired the words.
When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot thou has taught me to say. It is well it is well with my soul,
Song " It is well with my soul" #1
My Dad was a fine example of what a man should be. He taught me many things
growing up such as family. We did many things together. He was a reserverd and
quiet man at times other times he could be very funny. He was a country boy and
had some famous saying and one liners. I'd like to share a few. Most of these
you would here when he was working on someting. "Well for Pete sake" and "Drat
takit" and this one " For crying in a dad burn buckett." " Doy Clifford what in
the Sam Hill is going on around here" Then Tim's favorite " Doy Clifford are you
popping fire crackers in the house again" and there was Gary's favorite "That
just don't make no sense It can't make no sence. And I think my favorite and
have adopted this one myself. " I can never have the right tool".
We spent time together as a family. He built me a go-cart when I was very young.
The steering wheel was welded all the way to the left to go in a large circle.
As I grew older I had several other go-carts to enjoy. Most of these he built
himself. He would load those go catrs up in the station wagon and take me to a
fun place to ride. I'd go round and round some parking lot for hours. He and my
mom would just sat there and watch probably enjoyng just as much as I was seeing
me have a good time. He bought me my first motorcycle when I was 14. I just
resently purched my 5th motorcycle after a 20year break and people say I'm crazy
at 46. Well he started it. I remember him taking me to work with him on several
occasions. I was telling Hershall one of his long time work associates last
night that I could remember my dad taking me to love field to see where he
worked. They would take all the kids in the engine room then turn on these huge
aircraft engines and scare us to death. My dad taught me once your married you
stay that way. 65 years to my mom. Honesty was very important to him. He wanted
all his business dealings done that way and to always tell the truth. He was a
man of integrity. He taught me the value of a good education. He was not able to
finish high school. He had to help the family work in the fields. So he wanted
me to finish. He wanted better for his kids as we all do. I did finish but I
resisted. I would have quit if I could have. He persisted in making me go. I am
really grateful for that today. I learned from my Father your up bringing is
very important. I was hard headed for a while but because of my dads persistance
I have come to cherish these the good values he taught me.
My dad grew up as a farm boy in Collin county during the 20's and 30's in the
depression years. There were hard times for he and his family as sharecroppers,
but times were made easier because of the closeness of their family. Doy had
five brothers and two sisters and plenty of cousins from the Shannon and
Moorehead families. While they lived there in Collin County they all lived close
many of them in the same house.
The family closeness has remained through the years even as the family has
branched out. I can remember many good times shared with this family growing up
getting together for holidays and almost every weekend to play dominos. It seems
such a simple thing now playing dominos but those are such fond memories to me
playing 42 with my dad.
Doy attended school at Boggy and Nesrie in Collin County. He lived near
Farmersville until he was twelve years old. In 1932 Doy and his mother Ellen
lived in McKinney for a short time before moving to Dallas in the early 30's
One of Doy's first jobs away from the farm was a product of President
Roosevelt's New Deal. He worked for The State of Texas building roadside parks.
My dad once told me of making a trip to west Texas to pick cotton bowls with his
brother Edward. They made the trip in Edward's 1930 Chevy sedan. He said they
stayed two weeks picking cotton. Making 35 cents per 100 pounds of cotton bowls.
They lived in a tent for two weeks while they were doing their work.
They made there way back to Dallas and the industrial revolution had found the
family. Until this time the family had always lived and worked on the farm.
Doy's oldest brother Charles Edward had already been living in Dallas and
working in the textile business. Edward was quite a bit older at the time he was
31 and married for nearly ten years. Soon the whole family had moved to the Love
Field area in Dallas to live and work at the Texas Textile Mill. Doy's brothers
and sisters had all married by this time and had children. They all lived on the
mill block. I can remember many stories of this time as they lived and worked
there.This mill block as they called it was housing for the mill workers and
their families. Even some of his cousins from Farmersville came to work at the
mill. They were from his mother's side the Shannon's and Moreheads. Doy lived at
9022 Felder St and worked at the mill for 14 years and served the Texas Textile
Workers union as shop steward.
On September 10,1938 Doy married Ada Mae Putnam. He had known her for quite some
time. Ada and her family lived on the mill block as well. On September 16,1941
their first son was born. Thomas Charles Cloninger. Named for his grandfathers
Thomas Putnam and Charles Cloninger.
Tom was a small boy when his father was drafted into military service WW2 on May
16,1944. Doy spent his basic training at Camp Walters, Texas. His military
occupation was a gun crewman. His workmanship badges included marksman with a
carbine June 27,1944. Decorations include Eame campaign medal with two bronze
stars and World War II victory medal. Doy served in the Army's 10th mountain
division and The 616th Field Artillery Battalion. Doy Clifford Cloninger
honorably discharged at Camp Fannin, Texas November 18,1945.
After the war and back home the family moved to a different part of Dallas in
1948.The community of Field City in North West Dallas near Farmers Branch,
Texas. Just a few miles west of where we are today. DC went to work for Standard
Coffee Company in 1949 driving a delivery truck, but had other ambitions as an
aircraft mechanic. He was going to school at night to get his aircraft mechanics
license. This would be his life's career for the next 40 years. Doy soon went to
work as a mechanic in Garland, Texas while completing his training.
In 1950 the family moved two miles north to 2415 Crown Rd in Dallas. Doy went to
work as an Aircraft Engine inspector in 1957 for Dallas Aero at love field
Airport.
The family sold utilities rights to the home on Crown Rd to make room for a new
freeway. The freeway is now part of Interstate 35 Stemmons Freeway. The family
home was near where I 35 and I 635 interchange.
On July 1,1961 the family bought a house they had been wanting for years. It was
just two miles west of their old house 11454 Newkirk. It also was a plus that
Ada's life long friend Lottie Blankinship Burden lived next door. The house was
bought for $10,000 and remodeled with another $6000. It was a small frame house
when they bought it, but with the help of Doy's brother Frank, brother in law
Almar Rutledge and nephews Herman and Elmer Rutledge the house was the talk of
the neighborhood.
In 1968 Doy went to work for Airmotive Engineering in Dallas near downtown. In
1973 he started his own business at his home. D.C.'s Aero Service. DC retired in
1980 from A.E.C. at the age of 60 and devoted full time to his business. D.C.
built quite a clientele in the next few years with very fair prices and high
quality work. He had customers from as far away as Arkansas. D.C. had a process
for aluminum-coating aircraft engine cylinders. The process was matched by none
and had customers in from all over the southwest. The coating process soon
brought in customers with auto parts as well. In 1995 Doy retired and sold the
business at the age of 75.
D.C. and Ada sold their home in Dallas in the spring of 1997 and moved to
Burleson. We had know idea the blessing this would be getting to meet and know
the neighbors on Wanda Way in Burleson. These are special people as they have
shown their love to us through my dads illness and after his death they all came
by to comfort us and bring food.
Song: Even So
The bible tells us we will see our love ones again if they know The Lord. I know
my dad knew The Lord as he and my mom dedicated their lives to Christ in the
year 2000 at The Old Town Country Church.
1 Thes 4: 13-18- Now dear brothers , I want you to know what happens to a
Christian when he dies so that when it happens, you will not be full of sorrow,
as those who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and then come
back to life again, we can also believe that when Jesus returns God will bring
back with him all the Christians who have died. I can tell you this directly
from the Lord that we who are still living when the Lord returns will not rise
to meet Him ahead of those who are in their graves. For the Lord Himself will
come down from heaven with a mighty shout and the soul- stirring cry of the
archangel and the great trumpet call of God. And the believers who are dead will
be the first to rise to meet the Lord. Then we who are still alive and remain on
the earth will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air
and remain with Him forever. So comfort and encourage each other with this news.
My dad would want you to be able to see your love one's again after we pass
through this life into everlasting. My dad was a great man a kind, gracious and
dedicated family man and with all these fine quailites he did not get to heaven
by them. The bible tells us we are all sinners and fall short of God's glory.
Grace is a free gift. You can't work for it or do any thing to obtain it. Just
except it just as my dad did and be in heaven with Jesus forever. Either you
have accepted this teaching or you haven't. There is no middle ground. He who
has The Son has life, He who has not The Son of God has not life. 1John 5:12.
Thats it. Plain and simple.
I encourage you today without delay to accept The Lord's free gift of eternal
life. All you have to do is ask Him for it. Confess with your mouth The Lord
Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead and you
will be saved. Romans 10:9
Song- What a friend we have in Jesus
I want to thank all of you for being here it is such great comfort to have you
all here today. Many of you have helped us through this difficult time. Thank
you. I would like to especially thank my wife Debi in the personal care she has
given my dad. My daughters Caitlin and Shannon and all the comfort and prayers
you have shared. Gary and Danine thank you for all you have done.
To my mom you have been the champion through all this. From the hard years of
the depression to the years of the war through rasing two hard headed boys then
the times of this illness you were there when every one else had gone home you
were there still taking care of him when it was just you and him. While you were
not really able yourself, but that was not even an option. That's what love and
committment really are Till death do us part you meant that, but only for a
short time you will be with him again.
Mom, I love you, my prayer is comfort for you, a comfort I can't give like God
can. It's comfort the bible calls in Phillipians 4:7 a comfort that transends
all understanding and guards your hearts and minds in Chirst Jesus.
Remembrances - Elmer ( Doe) Rutledge, Laverne Cloninger Crouch, Frankie Thomas,
Dave Anderson, Tim Dennis
Song: Go rest high
For as much as it has pleased The Lord in His wise providence to take unto
Himself our loved one, we therefore commit his body to the ground. Looking for
the blessed hope that we just read about. The glorious appearing of The Lord
Jesus Christ who will change the body of our humiliation and fashion it anew in
the likeness of His own body of glory according to the working of His mighty
power wherewith He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.
Submitted by Doy Cloninger [find-a-grave
Page]
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DOWIE CLIFFORD CLONINGER
PFC
US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
Keenan Cemetery,
Farmers Branch, Dallas County, Texas
CLONINGER
DOWIE C. - APR 1, 1920 - BLANK [Nov 20, 2003]
ADA MAE - APR 28, 1920 - BLANK
Wed Sept. 10, 1938
Keenan Cemetery,
Farmers Branch, Dallas County, Texas
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