Clifford Ray Stappenbeck

Clifford Ray Stappenbeck, a beloved husband, daddy, granddaddy, and a great granddaddy, passed away in Boerne, Texas on February 18, 2021 at the age of 94. He was born in Galveston, Texas on February 24, 1926. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years Edna Mae (Lux) Stappenbeck, daughter Brenda Smith and husband Dean, grandson Paul Smith, grandson Jason McGarvie and wife Lori, and two great granddaughters Kendall and Peyton McGarvie. Cliff and Edna have been members of Shepherd King Lutheran Church since 1962. He graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio in 1943. During his last year in school until he joined the Navy in early 1944, he worked at the San Antonio Arsenal as an artillery mechanic. He spent 11 months in the Philippine Islands (Manila Bay Area) beginning in May of 1945. After World War II he worked at the then newly opened Lone Star Brewery as a maintenance mechanic until 1952. At that time, he moved on to a shop position at Kelly Air Fore Base for the next 11 years, and then into a supervisory position for the next 19 years until his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents Thad S. Stappenbeck Sr. and Alma Schuch Stappenbeck, and his brother Thad S. Stappenbeck Jr. Cliff was raised during the Great Depression by very loving parents and his family considers him part of the greatest American generation. He was a very meticulous man who was well known for planning ahead and always being on time. He was well respected for his strong work ethic and could make and fix anything made of metal, but he admitted himself that he was the worlds’ worst wood butcher. In his prime years, he was an active outdoorsman who loved to fish, especially fly fishing in Colorado. In lieu of flowers, he requested memorials be made to Shepherd King Lutheran Church, The USO, or a charity of your choice. Interment will be at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery. Life is a journey given to us by God…..cherish it!