Clifford Dewitt Stearns III

Clifford "Cliff" Dewitt Stearns III of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on May 9, 2023 at the age of 76, after 3 long years of fighting a rare auto-immune disease, VEXAS.

He was born on August 5, 1946, in Clayton, Ohio to Rev. Clifford and Verna Stearns. They settled in Middleton, Ohio where he met his sweetheart and future wife, Saundra "Sandy" Hughes at the age of 15.

After receiving his Chemistry degree from Otterbein College, he was recruited by Phillips Petroleum Company and during a 35 year career was transferred all over the world, finally retiring in 1999 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Cliff is known for is his fierce love of Jesus, his family and serving others. He and Sandy are active with On the Rock Ministries of Bartlesville. Cliff mentored and made a huge impact in the lives of hundreds of youth and staff.

Cliff is survived by his wife; Sandy, children; Jennifer (Ryan) Hodgkins and Jonathan Stearns, grandchildren; Gage, Caleb, Arianna and Isabella Gonzalez, Chloe Hodgkins, Elyas and Aya Stearns, sister; Donna Shriner. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers; Clifford Dewitt Jr., Bill Stearns.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday May 13th. There will be a recording of the service posted on Facebook. Contact Jennifer at jenhodgkins26@gmail.com for details.

In lieu of flowers or a memorial, please make a donation to On the Rock Ministries in Cliff's name.