Clifford Ralph Cromer

Clifford Ralph Cromer died on Sunday, March 29, 2020, at the Redwoods of Raymore. He was 95 years old.
He was born on July 15, 1924, in St. Louis, a son of Victor and Lurine (Bauer) Cromer.
He was married to Frances Abernathy, and she survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Clif Alan Cromer of Blue Springs, David Cromer of Independence, Missouri, Dan Cromer and his wife Mary of Cleveland, Missouri, Carl Cromer and his wife Alane of Overland Park, Kansas; five grandchildren, Erin and her husband Ben, Sarah, Christian and his wife Leslie, Tom, Brett and his wife Claire; and three great-grandchildren Meredith, Elliott, Andrew.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy; and one daughter-in-law, Nancy.
He graduated from Cleveland High School in St. Louis in 1942. He joined the U.S. Navy and served in World War II. After being honorably discharged, he attended Southeast Missouri State College. He lettered in football and basketball before graduating in 1947 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He later earned a master’s degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis.
He had 40-year career as a high school educator, coach and administrator in the state of Missouri. Most of that career was spent in the communities of Ste. Genevieve, Higginsville, Carrollton, and Brookfield. He coached the sports of football, track and basketball, winning numerous conference and district titles. His greatest joy, however, was seeing the positive development in his students and athletes and instilling positive character traits to make them better people. He always took great pleasure when he saw his students become successful adults.
He received many awards, including the Missouri State High School Activities Association Distinguished Service Award. He was also inducted into the Higginsville High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Missouri Football Coaches Hall of Fame inaugural class.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Due to current conditions, his celebration of life will take place at Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home in Higginsville, Missouri, at date to be determined. He will be inurned at the Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery in Higginsville. Kaiser-Wiegers Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Lafayette County Class of 1977 Scholarship, in care of the Bank of Corder (Missouri), when services occur.