Clifton E Caves 96, of Turlock, entered into rest Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. Clifton E. Caves was born April 2, 1922 to George Thomas and Mittie (Risenhoover) Caves in Stroud, Oklahoma.
Cliff was the sixth of nine children. He is a veteran of World War II. He joined the National Guard and later the United States Army (Infantry) at the age of 17 (told them he was 18). He fought in World War II, Battle of the Bulge in Belgium and Germany. He received a good conduct medal and many ribbons including one with three bronze stars. Shortly after coming home, Cliff practiced as a physical therapist. He would later marry Bessie and become a cookware sales person in Oakland and Hayward California. Cliff was an avid Raider and Warrior fan, and loved watching the games with his family. But most of all, he loved going to the horse races. It was there that many knew him as the Horse Man. His weekend ritual was to go to the races every weekend throughout his life (for the past 50+ years) at Golden Gate Fields, Bay Meadows, Turlock Turf Club or the Stockton Turf Club. Where ever the horses were racing, is where he loved to be. He will greatly be missed by his family and friends, especially those at the horse races.
Cliff is survived by his brother Leonard Caves of Benicia, sister Nita Marchitiello of Pinole, and son Edward Caves. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Mary Perez, Nina Cardiel, Angie Alejandre, Linda Carrillo, and Anthony Vega. Many great grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife Bessie Caves, step-daughter Linda Tapia, parents, two sisters, four brothers and his granddaughter Jenny Duran.
Service Schedule: Whitehurst-Norton-Dias Funeral Service, 286 West Main St. Turlock, CA 95380 Visitation: 2-8pm (rosary 6pm) Sunday, July 22, 2018
Mass: 10:00 am Monday, July 23 Sacred Heart Catholic Church 1200 Lyons Ave. Turlock
Burial: 1:30pm Monday July 23, 2018 at Sacramento National Valley Cemetery 5810 Midway Rd., Dixon, CA 95620
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/turlock-ca/whitehurst-norton-dias-funeral-service/7044 for the Caves family.
