In Clifford’s last year of high school his brother took his car and turned it in for a down payment on a Taylor Craft airplane. That was the beginning of a long career as a pilot. Clifford served in WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam, with 30 years in the USAF. For an interview with Cliff for the Veterans History Project, go to https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.87608/#item-service_history.
Clifford H. Meier, Col USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on June 10, 2015.
Clifford Henry Meier, a long-time resident of Sarasota and Bradenton, passed away on June 10th, 2015 in Albuquerque NM at the age of 94. He was born in Omaha Nebraska on July 20, 1920.
Cliff made the United States Air Force a career and retired after 30 years of dedicated service. He was a fighter pilot and flew fighters in World War II, Korean and Viet Nam conflicts and with the RAF as an exchange pilot. It was during flight training at Sarasota Army Air Force Field in 1943 that he married Betty Boyd and they would return to Sarasota after his Air Force retirement in 1971. He enjoyed a second career selling Wellcraft boats before his final retirement. He loved to travel and was an avid trap shooter; participating in many events around Florida as well as the Pennsylvania State Trap Meet and the Grand National. He moved to New Mexico in 2010 due to health reasons.
Cliff is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Betty Meier and his last wife Rosemary Meier. He is survived by his two sons Cliff Meier, Albuquerque and Brian Meier, Colorado Springs and their wives as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He will be interred at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sarasota Florida. Following his wishes no formal service is to be held.
