Vernon P. Clough

Vernon P. Clough, 68, of East Freetown, NY, passed away at his home on Friday, April 1, 2011, following a brief illness.

Born in Cortland, NY on June 1, 1942, Vern was one of eight children born to the late Kenneth and Olive Gilland Clough. His family spent their early years in the Pitcher and Cincinnatus area, before they moved to the dairy farm in East Freetown that Vern has owned and operated for most of his life. He was a member of the Cortland County Mounted Posse. Vern was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping. He always planted a garden and has won "Master Gardener" at the Union Fair. After retiring, Vern became an enthusiastic baker, sharing cookies and desserts. He devoted time to cutting logs, growing a market garden and raising rabbits. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, he will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Crystal Carpenter Clough at home; and his daughters, Fleurette Clough and Amanda (Donald) Barber, all of East Freetown. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Britt V. (Ashley) Fox, Echo (Josh) Corl, Andrea (Jason) Trzaska, Danielle (Martin) Slade, Alison (Darren) Murphy, Dylan, Alexa, Drew, Avery, and Delta Barber; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Joseph (Marie) Clough of Florida; sisters, Elsie (Bruce) Wilcox of Syracuse, Cathleen (Ronald) Funk of Marathon, and Christine (William) Weishaupt of Florida; a sister-in-law, Alice Clough of Florida; an aunt, Ruth Clough of Cortland; an uncle, Jack Clough of Florida; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Stramba, and brothers, James and Stephen.

A memorial service will be held at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. with Reverend Eugene Jensen officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Conservation Education Program, c/o Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District.