“Wayne” was born in the mountain town of Oak Creek, Colorado on November 14, 1926, to Elsie Fern Gardner and James Beryl Stratton. His parents preceded him in death, as did his brother, Donald. Wayne served his country through the last year of WWII, and was honorably discharged from the United States Coast Guard on June 21, 1946, after making two full trips around the world on a troop transport ship.
Returning to his home in Denver, he married his sweetheart, Rosamond Barbaralee Stratton on September 28, 1946. Barbara gave up her dancing shoes and Wayne gave up his saxophone so they could settle down and start their family. He went to work for Gates Rubber Company and retired after 37 years.
Barbaralee and Wayne had three children, Clifford Wayne Jr., nicknamed “Brick”, followed by Vernon Roy, nicknamed “Rusty” (who preceded him in death) and Harry Phillip, nicknamed “Dusty”. Wayne is survived by his wife Barbaralee, two sons, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
