Funeral services for 46-year old Sgt Robert Clifford Sr of the Oglala Sioux Dept of Corrections are Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 10:00 at the Ruby Clifford residence half a mile north of Wounded Knee, SD, with Deacon Bill White officiating
Burial is at St Mary Magdalene Catholic Cemetery in Rockyford, SD
A one-night wake service runs Friday, April 13, from 3:00 – 11:00 PM at the Ruby Clifford residence
Robert Wayne Clifford, Sr. was born on May 15, 1975 in Denver, CO to Philip, Sr. and Ruby Clifford. Robert, Sr. made his journey to the Spirit World on August 9, 2021 at the Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD.
Robert graduated from Red Cloud High School Holy Rosary Mission in May of 1993. Robert received his varsity letter in Football and Wrestling all throughout high school. He went on to higher education at Western Dakota Technical Institute where he received his certificate in Welding Technology.
Robert coached Red Cloud Middle School and High School Football, then pursued his career as a Correctional Officer at the old Pine Ridge Correctional Facility starting in July of 1997.
Robert went to the Basic Correctional Officer Training Program in Artesia, NM, from January 16, 2001 and graduated on February 9, 2001,as a squad leader for class #BDOTP 102A/025.
In March of 2006, he was selected as a Sergeant for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s new Adult Offenders Facility. He was part of a team who wrote the Standard Operating Procedures, Post Orders, Non-less Lethal Implements, and the Inmate Handbook for the new jail.
He attended several trainings such as Supervisory Training, how to run a direct supervision housing, and he became a trainer in Direct Supervision and Pepperball gun.
End of Watch 8/9/2021. Thank you for your dedication and service to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Corrections.
Robert loved to fish, hunt in the mountains of Utah every winter, camp, cook, ride his Harley, race his Camaros, lift weights, coach football, and watch his Dolphins play every Sunday.
Robert had four children, Alexandria, Robert, Jr., Stryker Lee, and Kerra Clifford from Farrah Oliver. He later had Abella Clifford.
Robert was known for his integrity and ambition to do the right thing that set him apart from the rest. He was a father first who loved his children fiercely and protected his family and friends all around.
He was everyone’s rock and will be greatly missed and always remembered. Rest in Peace brother until we meet again.
Robert is survived by his mother, Ruby Clifford; children, Alexandria Clifford, Robert Clifford, Jr., Stryker Lee Clifford, Kerra Clifford, and Abella Clifford; grandchildren, Addison and Alivia Clifford; and aunts & uncles, Marilyn Cuch, Eldra Masawiestewa, Louanna Reed, Ron Cuch, Sr., Mary Wilson, Anita Ecoffey, and Theresa Perkins.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, Philip Clifford, Sr.; brother, Philip Clifford, Jr.; maternal grandparents, Vincent and Margaret (Accawanna) Cuch; and paternal grandparents, Joe, Sr. and Thelma (Garcia) Clifford.
Pallbearers will be Flint Tall, Justin Coats, Nick Cummings, jr., Anthony Rowland, Steve Wilson, Clyde Little, Cody, Martin, Abraham Romero, Robert Clifford, Jr., and Stryker Clifford.
Honorary pallbearers will be all friends & relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD