Lionel “Wayne” Cluff

Lionel “Wayne” Cluff was called home on March 13^th, 2025. He was preceded in death by his mother and Father Delva and Garl Cluff, as well as his sisters Cheryl Naegle and Joanne Holck and his beautiful bride Velvalee Cluff.

He is survived by his sons Rick, Mark and Greg along with his daughter-in-law’s Terri Cluff and Elizabeth Cluff. He is also survived by his grandchildren Erica, Ryan, Josh, Marisa, Emily and David Cluff along with his two great grandchildren Keaton and Braedon Sanchez.

Wayne, or as we lovingly refer to him as Papa, led a very full and blessed life. He would tell you that he grew up in the best place in the world, the Gila Valley. He was born on February 24^th, 1932, in Central Arizona, where his family resided. During his high school years his parents moved to Mesa, AZ for his father’s job and Wayne decided to stay behind so he could finish high school with his other family and his friends, so he lived with his grandma during this time. He graduated from Thatcher High School, class of 1950.

After high school, he enlisted in the Navy, to serve in the Korean war and married his high school sweetheart Velvalee Tomkinson before moving to San Diego California where he began his Naval training. During his time in the Navy, he served on an aircraft carrier as a radio repair expert that tracked naval submarines.

After serving in the Navy for 4 years, he came home to his wife and his firstborn son. He attended ASU and received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He took a job with the Mountain Bell Telephone Company and worked for over 25 years as one of their top executives. During his time between school and working for the telephone company he had 2 additional sons and worked hard to provide for his family. He took an early retirement and began living the best part of his life. He designed and built a family cabin in Forest Lakes Arizona where he spent many fun summers. He and his wife traveled as well to California, Tucson and of course spent many times traveling to the Gila Valley as well.

Wayne had 3 sons, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and was the best father and grandpa around. He spent much time with his grandchildren and his family. He had many funny sayings and quite the sense of humor in his older years and no matter how old he became, his favorite things in this world were having his family around, taking a nice drive and eating a good meal and most importantly any dessert he could get his hands on.

We will miss his presence, determination, example and unfailing love for each of us each day but are so overjoyed with the thought of the most beautiful reunion that was had when he passed from this world, back into the arms of his loving wife, and his family that has gone before him. We know our Nana has her hands full again and we will all smile at the thought of that for many years to come.

We love you Dad (Papa) and will miss you every day.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.