Clifton R. Haywood

Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on September 16, 2009

Clifton R. Haywood, 90, of O'Hara Township, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2009 in UPMC, Presbyterian Hospital. A son of the late James and Catherine Guder Haywood, he was born in Dunlevy on May 25, 1919.

Formerly of Lebanon, Missouri, he was a member of the Phillipsburg United Methodist Church of Phillipsburg, MO, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and earned a 50 year member award from the F. & A. M. Laclede Lodge 83.

He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant after 22 years in the United States Air Force, where he served as an intelligence specialist. His tours of duty included service in many parts of the world including Africa, France, Germany, Vietnam, Sardinia, Colorado, Hawaii and Alaska.

He earned many awards and commendations. While he was proud to have dedicated a great deal of his life in service of his country, he also was passionate about his interests in farming and sports.

He played and coached baseball in leagues across the United States and around the world. He played in the Blue Ridge League, with the Baton Rouge Red Sticks, with a Boeing-sponsored, semi-pro team and he was the coach/manager for a triple A team. His ball career found him on the diamond with pros such as Ernie Banks and Bob Porterfield.

Haywood had a zeal for life that he shared with everyone he met.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Edythe Eloise Fawbush Haywood on May 1, 2004, one sister, Mary Lou Sowden and three brothers, Melvin, Leland and Richard Haywood.

Friends will be received 7 to 9 P.M. Thursday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, INC., 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon, Funeral services will be in the Funeral Home on Friday at 11:30 A.M.

Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dunlevy United Methodist Church or Phillipsburg United Methodist Church. www.FergusonFuneralHomeAndCrematory.com.