Clifford P. Panther

Clifford P. "Cliff" Panther, 79, a resident of Rock Island, died peacefully Saturday, May 21, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island.  Cliff died from multiple complications from Lewy Body Dementia (Parkinson's disease).  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday with a Rosary being recited at 3:30 p.m. at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island.  Entombment will be private at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island, at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Alleman High School, both of Rock Island, the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.

Clifford was born on June 11, 1936 in Davenport, Iowa, a son of Ervin J. and Mildred C. Siefkin Panther.  He attended St. Ambrose Academy, class of 1954, and St. Ambrose College.

Cliff enlisted in the U.S. Army, attended RCA electrical school in El Paso, Texas and was assigned to the 570th Missile Battalion deployed to Vicenza Italy, 1956.

He was united in marriage to Sharon M. Hempel on October 22, 1960 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport, Iowa.

Cliff had a career in the transportation industry as a driver, sales and as Vice President of Operations. He also worked in real estate sales with Dasso Realty, Mel Foster, and was broker/owner of Panther Realty Co. Cliff and Sharon became owners of Panther Uniforms, Rock Island, in 1984 and retired in 2004.

His hobbies included gardening, canning, and being an outdoor enthusiast with his sons and grandchildren.

Cliff and Sharon are members of St. Pius X Catholic Church and he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Cliff lived his life with tremendous conviction to his faith, and found great comfort in his daily life through prayer during daily Mass.

Those left to honor his memory include his loving wife of 55 years, Sharon Panther, Rock Island; sons, Jeff (Susie) Panther, Kingstree S.C.; Barton (Susan) Panther, Naperville, Ill. and Curtis Panther, Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren, Joshua, Nathan, Nicholas, Katie, Alex and Zacariah; sister, Barbara (Gary) Stolley, Moline Ill.; and brother, Roger Panther, Alpharetta Ga.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Scott E. Panther.

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