Clifford Paul Bales

Clifford Paul Bales, son of the late John Green Bales and Mary Ellen (Rickerson) Bales, was born October 19, 1936, in Bloodland, Missouri and attended school at Hooker school. He later entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge. After coming back home from serving in Korea with his life-long friend Walter “Waldy” York, Paul began working in the construction industry. For the remainder of his working years, Paul worked in construction and was known for his great work ethic. Paul had met a young lady, that he was pretty smitten with, by the name of Ethlyn Vivian Ballard. They began dating and on September 30, 1965 in Kansas City, Missouri, they were united in marriage. They shared over 58 years of marriage together and were blessed with four children: Richard, Paula, John, and C.P. In his spare time, Paul enjoyed playing a good game of cards, or he even liked going to the casino to play the slot machines. Paul loved being outdoors and the one thing that you could find him doing more than anything was going fishing. He enjoyed fishing out on the lake, in the pond, or wherever else he could find some fish. Even though he loved to fish, nothing could compare to the love he had for his family. Each one of them was his pride and joy and he treasured the times that they could spend together. He was always teasing the grandkids and they in turn liked to dish it back. As a young boy, Paul had made a profession of faith. On Friday, March 1, 2024, he went home to be with his Lord surrounded by his family, having attained the age of 87 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Paul leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Ethlyn Bales of their home in Waynesville; his four children: Richard McLain (Vivian) of Waynesville, MO, Paula Beard (Jeffery) of Patoka, IL, John Bales (Stacy) of Waynesville, MO, and C.P. Bales of Waynesville, MO; eight grandchildren: Jesse McLain (Danielle), Tiffany Freeman (Ivan), Nicholas Beard (Bethany), Rachel Wilson, Grace Bales, Jonathan Bales (Reba), Lyndsey Burgess (Cody), and Madison Bales; eight great-grandchildren: Caitlin McLain, Connor McLain, Gunner Freeman, Brylee Freeman, Jax Blanton, Cooper Bales, Ella Bales and Ember Burgess; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by one grandson: Cody Wilson; eleven siblings: Walter O’Dell Bales, William Alva “Bill” Bales, Clarence Homer Bales, Ella Mae Helms, Marjorie Priddy, Ephram Bales, John Bales, Mildred Currell, Elmer Bales, Anna Hawkins, and an infant sibling; along with brother-in-law: Walter York, who was like a brother to Paul. Even though he is gone from our sight, Paul’s love for his family will live on in our hearts forever. Graveside services with military honors were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2024 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville with Mike Freeman officiating. The song “That Rock” by Drew Baldridge was played. Serving as escorts were Johnny Burgess, George Beasley, Richard Green, Dave Grosvenor, Joe Gan, Mike Bales, and Joe Curtman. Serving as honorary escorts were Ivan Freeman, Jeff Beard, Jonathan Bales, Cody Burgess, Nich Beard, Jesse McLain, Dan Deardorff, Charlie Ballard, Lee Hickey, and Mark Harris. Military honors were provided by the Missouri Honors Team. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Paul Bales and may be left at the funeral home.

Clifford Paul Bales

October 19, 1936 - March 1, 2024