Obituary of James Clifford "Cliff" Bale

James Clifford "Cliff" Bale, 85, of Coffeyville passed away Friday, July 16, 2021 at his home. He was born on October 25, 1935 in Dewey, Oklahoma to John Thomas and Sylvia Audrey (Bonham) Bale. Cliff grew up and attended school in Dewey graduating from Dewey High School. After completing high school Cliff attended Oklahoma State University graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. He later went on to obtain a Master's Degree in Physical Science at Emporia State University. In the fall of 1957, Cliff moved to Caney, Kansas where he taught Chemistry and Science at Caney High School. On June 30, 1961 he married Luella Earhart at Dewey, Oklahoma. Following their marriage, they made their home in Caney where Cliff continued to teach until the end of the 1969 school year. Cliff began teaching at Coffeyville Community College in the fall of 1969 and continued as an instructor of Physical Science classes for 31 years retiring in 2000. Cliff was a longtime member of the First Church of God in Coffeyville. He was a very active member of Gideon's International, and loved cheering on his two favorite teams the Oklahoma State University Cowboys and the St. Louis Cardinals. While living in Caney he was a Scout Master for several years. He loved mentoring young people and spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife, Luella Bale of the home; his daughter, Melanie Stokesberry and husband, David of Coffeyville and his son, Derek Bale and wife, Lorie of Coffeyville; one brother, Larry W. Bale and wife, Sandra of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Brandon, Lanelle and husband Jay Darla, Shanna, Austin and Leanne and husband Logan Burrus; and great-grandson, Isaac. He was preceded in death his parents, John Thomas, and Sylvia Audrey Bale; two brother, Leland Dean Bale, and John Thomas Bale, Jr.; and three sisters, Dorothy Hansen, Judith Elaine Bale, and infant sister, Mattie Sybil Bale. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the First Church of God, 2010 W. 5th St., in Coffeyville with Pastor Mark Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, Kansas. Friends may call on Friday, July 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests memorials in Cliff's memory to Gideon's International; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of the David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337. The service for Cliff will be Live Streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/james-bale To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com. David W. Barnes Funeral Home of Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.