Clifford Kirkendall, Jr

CLIFFORD KIRKENDALL, JR. IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Clifford Kirkendall, Jr., 83, passed away February 13, 2006, at his home, surrounded by his wife, Mae, his stepchildren, and a sister-in-law. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho. Cliff was born October 7, 1922, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Clifford Kirkendall and Ann McCulloch Kirkendall. He attended schools in Downey, Twin Falls, and Pocatello, graduating from Pocatello High School May 22, 1940. On February 29, 1944, he graduated from the University of Idaho – Southern Branch (now known as Idaho State University) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy. After graduating, Cliff went into the United States Navy March 20, 1944, as a Registered Pharmacist Clinical Laboratory Technician, serving two years. While in the Navy, Cliff was in charge of various Navy Laboratories. He earned the American Area Campaign Medal and World Ward II Victory Medal. Cliff married Edith Norma Knorr October 26, 1944, in Sand Point, Idaho. Edith passed away December 27, 1988. Cliff bought Roy’s Pharmacy on Broadway, changing the name to “Self Service Drug.” After running the drug store for approximately ten years, Cliff built the Bowl-ero Bowling Alley on First Street in 1959. He owned and operated Bowl-ero for over 35 years, earning many awards. He said he never got a perfect 300 score, that was a rather hard score to get and not many do. Cliff also owned Idaho Falls first automatic carwash, The Red Carpet Car Wash. Cliff was a benefactor to ISU scholarship programs for many years. He served on the Board of Directors of Bank of Commerce and as President of the National Bowling Association. On December 8, 1999, Cliff married Mae Arave Searle, in Idaho Falls. They had been neighbors and close friends for 29 years. Cliff loved to travel both the United States and foreign countries, fishing, golfing, dressing up for Halloween, and spending time with his step-grandchildren , step-great grandchildren, and his dog, Cricket. Cliff is survived by his loving wife, Mae. Also surviving are two stepdaughters and one stepson, Linda Halter, Kandi (Kevin) Knudsen and Kyle (Veronica) Searle, all of Idaho Falls, two grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, 11 step-great grandchildren and five foster children, four brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law. Cliff and Edith adopted 2 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ann Kirkendall, and his first wife, Edith. Cliff had a kind heart and a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed and long remembered. We have been greatly blessed to have shared our lives with him. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2006, at Wood East Side Chapel, 963 South Ammon Road, with Bishop Brian Pickett, of the Idaho Falls LDS Sunnyside 1st Ward, officiating. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and for one hour prior to the services, both at Wood East Side. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home East Side Online condolences from: Terri Gazdik (terri@coopernorman.com) Mae and Family: All of us here at Cooper Norman will certainly miss Cliff. He was such a part of our lives during the Bowl-ero era and after. One thing about Cliff, he was always smiling. That was just part of him - it was hard not to smile around him. He was certainly blessed to have you, Mae, in his life. We are all thinking of you here. Your friends, Terri, Judy, Betty, Sheila and the rest of the crew.