Clifford “Kip” Deloss Patton, 90, passed away on May 30 at his home north of Ordway. Kip was born in Ordway on Dec 8, 1931 to Viola Marie Dillon Patton and Deloss Archie Patton.

Kip attended Ordway schools and graduated in 1950. After high school, he worked for Corky Korinek and Ben’s Gas House. He married Marjorie Sober in 1952 and they moved to a ranch north of Ordway and worked for Hap Raith. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 and completed basic training in California.  Marge joined him there and they lived in Morro Bay, CA.  When the camp was shut down, he was transferred to Fort Hood in Texas where he finished his 2 years of service.  They moved back to Ordway in 1954 and he worked for L.W. Bailey and then Dude Simpson. He purchased his home place in 1960 and continued to purchase additional parcels and put together his own land and cattle operation. He truly loved the ranching life and could never get enough of saddling up, riding across his land and looking at his cattle.  

Kip was an active member of the Crowley County Roping Club and enjoyed the ropings, poker nights, banquets, dances and parades. For the annual Fourth of July celebration held in Sugar City, he helped gather the roping steers and the cows for the wild cow milking events. Kip was a pickup man for the bronc riding. He served as a board member for the Horse Creek Grazing Association and managed the meters and maintenance of the Lolita Pipeline system for several years.  He was an avid supporter of his girls’ school and 4-H activities, and as the grandkids came along, he didn’t miss many sports activities or livestock shows that they were involved in. He loved to dance and play cards.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years Marge, 3 daughters; Connie Baker of Olney Springs, Debra (Bruce) Jones of Pueblo and Deanna (Alvin) Russell of Cheraw.  He has 8 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be Thursday, June 2 from 5-7 pm at Bellwood Ford Ustick Funeral home at 305 N 8th St., Rocky Ford. Funeral services will be Friday, June 3 at 10:00 at the United Methodist Church in Ordway. Burial and military service will follow at the Ordway Cemetery.

Bellwood Ford Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 207 Colorado Ave, Ste A, La Junta, CO  81050.