Clifford Daniel Custin

Clifford D. Custin, 89, of Tiger Place, Columbia, MO, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 16 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 30, 1928 in Decatur, IL to Clifford D. Custin, Sr. and Katherine Louise Squiro. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years LaVonne “Mimi” Custin, his parents Clifford and Katherine Custin and two grandchildren, Adam Custin and Stefani Ego.

Cliff was part of the Greatest Generation and was a true patriot. He proudly answered his country’s call serving in the US Army for six years during WWII and the Korean War where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. One of his greatest joys was participating in Honor Flight, being recognized in Washington D.C. Upon discharge, Cliff graduated from Millikin University, Decatur, IL with a B.S in secondary education and political science and served 37 years with State Farm Insurance Companies, retiring as Deputy Regional Vice President of the MO-KAN region in 1988.

Cliff dedicated his life to the service of others. He was extremely active in the community, serving on several boards, including President of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, President of Phoenix House, and Board of Director of the United Way. He was the president of the Valley Baptist Hospital Auxiliary for many years. He and LaVonne dedicated a room in the children’s ward there to honor their grandchildren. Cliff was a faithful servant of his church and attended mass daily.

He was affectionately known by his family as “Popi”. He was always there to comfort and guide us. He treated everyone like family, from close friends to total strangers. Five minutes with Popi and you felt as though you had known him forever. The generosity he had for others truly made a difference in their lives. Cliff and LaVonne will be loved forever.

He is survived by three children, Steve (Connie) Custin of Alpharetta, GA, Joe (Heidi) Custin of Grandview, MO, and Debbie Custin of Normal, IL; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one brother; Don (Bernie) Custin of Decatur, IL.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Friday, July 28 at Memorial Funeral Home, Columbia, MO. A Celebration of Life Mass will be offered at 11:00 am at St. Thomas More Newman Center, Columbia, MO. Military rites will be accorded. Interment will be private at the Newman Center columbarium. The family invites you to a reception following military rites.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, St. Thomas More Newman Center (Columbia, MO), or the Charity of your choice.