LINCOLN, Neb. — With great sorrow it is announced that Wesley Eugene Radcliffe, 82, of Lincoln, Neb. passed away peacefully at home with beloved wife and family at his side on July 27, 2023.
Wesley was born on Jan. 11, 1941, to parents of Esther and McKinley Radcliffe in Hill City, Kan. Wesley lived his young life with his two siblings, Dorothy and Allan, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends nearby.
Wesley was active in 4-H at the age of 10, where he learned a strong work ethic and the rudiments of farm and rural life that supported him throughout his whole life.
He graduated from Hill City High with honors in 1959. He received an Associate in Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Central Technical Institute, Kansas City, Mo. in 1961. He attended classes at Utica College of Syracuse University in Utica, New York and then earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Union College, in Schenectady, New York in 1976.
He served in the New York Army National Guard from 1963 to 1969 and was selected to participate in the 21 gun salute at President Eisenhower’s funeral.
He worked for Radio Stations KBEA and KBEY-FM, Mission, Kan. from 1960-1961, as a Transmitter Engineer. Wes led a robust career with placements at General Electric’s Light Military Electronics Department in Utica, New York from 1961-1963. He was involved in the development and engineering of test equipment at IBM at the East Fishkill Facility starting in 1964. He advanced to senior management and worked as a liaison between Fishkill, New York, San Jose, Calif. and Toronto.
During retirement, which began in 1997, he co-owned and co-managed Radcliffe Designer Marble, manufacturing countertops with his wife, Shirley. This started in Lincoln, Neb. and eventually moved to Hoisington, Kan.
He was an active volunteer, chairing many Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) committees and had been named a member of the society’s Golden Core in 1996. He also enjoyed spending time in community by working in food pantries and housing support, including Habitat for Humanity. He was an active Methodist at churches in California, Nebraska, and Kansas. At the First United Methodist Church in Hoisington, Kan. he led groups in coordination with dear friend, Dr. Reuben Kipkirui Langat.
Wes’s favorite activities included owning and managing a hobby farm, in Hoisington, Kan. He loved automobiles, building model airplanes and flying kites with his grandkids and great grandkids.
Wesley was predeceased by his mother and father.
He is survived by Shirley Radcliffe (wife); his daughter Tamara (Derry) Radcliffe of California; his step-children Greg (Sarah) Bell, Neil (Trish) Bell, Sherry (AJ) McCann and Todd (Nancy) Bell of Nebraska; his sister Dorothy (Emerson) Ray of California; brother Alan (Simi) Radcliffe of Texas; and former wife Ann Marie of California. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Wesley had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was clever and full of knowledge gained through his many life experiences. He always set an example of kindness and inquisitiveness. He will be remembered by all the heart he shared with his loved ones, as he cared deeply for the people around him.
A celebration of life will occur with details to be determined. In lieu of flowers please make donations to GPS Kids Club, http://gpskidsclub.com/, an afterschool program in Hoisington, Kan. or any charitable entity involved with Alzheimer’s, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus and/or Brain awareness.
Condolences may be left online at www.lincolnffc.com
Funeral arrangements provided by
Lincoln Family Funeral Care
5849 Fremont Street
Lincoln, NE. 68507
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Aug. 3, 2023
