Clifford A. "Pete" McComas, 86, of Kansas City, MO, joined his wife Patty for their eternal life together on October 18, 2010.  Pete was born December 22, 1923 in Oak Grove, MO, the son of Ray Franklin and Cornell Truitt McComas.  Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife and best buddy, Helen F. “Patty” McComas; and brothers, James William “Bill” McComas and Raymond Victor “Jack” McComas. As a young man, Pete worked with his family in operating the McComas Dairy in Independence, MO, until he graduated from Wm. Chrisman High School in 1941.

In 1943, he became a member of the 87th Infantry Division, which fought its way across Europe to meet the Russians in Czechoslovakia.  Pete proudly served in European Theater Operations, including the Battle of the Bulge, during World War II.  He was known as a “Battling Bastard of Bastogne” with General Patton’s 3rd Army, in that famous Battle of the Bulge. Sergeant McComas was awarded a good conduct medal, three battle stars and a bronze star.  On September 28, 2010, he was flown to Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight for Veterans, to the World War II Memorial, where he was treated like a Hero – a hero he always was to us.  We have been told that Dad was very attentive, soaking up all the knowledge his Honor Flight Attendant Guardian could throw at him about the WWII Memorial.   Sounds like Dad - always learning to the day he died.   Pete was designated to be the flag bearer during the Honor Flight trip. He cherished the opportunity to carry that honor and to be a part of history.   Although he was a world traveler, Pete told friends and family that was one of the “greatest days of his life.”  To all of you who work with this wonderful organization, we thank you.

Pete was a proud Jayhawk, earning his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas on the G I Bill. Pete graduated from KU in 1950. In 1948, while attending KU, he married his childhood sweetheart, Pat. They had roller-skated together in the family’s barn loft, when she was five and he was nine.  That marriage lasted 57 loving years.  He’s missed her terribly since her passing. They were a team. From that union two children were born. 

Pete was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors.  At one time, Pete had over 400 antique clocks in his collection and enjoyed refurbishing them to bring them back to life.    Pete was an outdoorsman. He and wife Pat hunted deer and antelope in Colorado and Wyoming before the children were born.  Pete also joined many of you, his friends, hunting moose and fishing for the big ones in Mexico and Canada.  Many of you enjoyed that McComas hospitality at their home at the Lake of the Ozarks.  He and Mom spent quality time at their lake home developing new friendships in that community.  He owned and operated McComas Rentals, Inc. in Independence, Missouri at 23rd and Sterling for 46 years. His wife, Patty and children, Cris and Kim, also participated in the business with him. Pete was a founder and Past President of the Kansas City Rental Association, and helped start the American Rental Association, which is now a worldwide organization.  He was a Regional Director for many years.  He leaves well-appreciated Rental Friends all across the country.

Pete was a 59-year member of McDonald Lodge #324 in Independence.  He was a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies. He joined Ararat Shrine in 1957.  He was a Past Director of the Shrine Motor Corps and Past Director and an original founding member of the Ararat Shrine Sand Buggies. The “Buggies” became an integral part of our family life and will remain in our hearts forever. Pete was an original member of Ararat Shrine Temple Building Committee.  He was Building Chairman of the W.W. Bennett Auditorium.  At Ararat, Pete was elected as Illustrious Potentate in 1981.  “Pride and Fun in ’81” was his Potentate’s motto and what a time was had by all that year.    For those of you who think Shriners are just men who wear fezzes and are part of your local parades – think again.  They are men, who give of their time, money and efforts working so many fundraisers, circuses and events to raise money for the Shriners’ Hospitals for Crippled and Burned Children, where children are saved every day.   They are the best in the world for these afflictions.   We saw our Father and his fellow Shriners put burned children on airplanes to fly them to the Hospitals.  Respect the fez.  It is a badge of honor.  Our Father loved his Ararat Shrine.  We were always proud when he put on that fez and so was he. He was a member of Sertoma International and a member of the VFW Post 4242, Raytown, MO, and an honorary member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor.  Pete was also an active member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 54, enjoying many lasting friendships and loved attending those meet and greet sessions.

Our Dad was a Great Man among Men, a man who had integrity, stood solid in his beliefs, had an honesty that wouldn’t waiver.  His word was his bond.  He believed in punctuality, paying bills on time and working until the job got done, no excuses. Wow Popa, no wonder you went to Mom –you were tired - look at all you did for us, your family, your endless friends, your Ararat Shrine – we will love and miss you to the end of our days Daddy – dedicate that first dance with Moma - to Love.

Survivors include two children, daughter Kim D. McComas and Gene Battles of Raytown, MO and son, Cris A. McComas of Kansas City, MO; sister-in-law, Lorraine Green, Buena Vista CO; brother-in law, Robert V. Muehlebach and wife Donna of Pineville, MO; uncle, W.J. “Doc” Milam and wife Dona of Independence, MO; nephews, James Ray McComas, John McComas, George Patrick Green, Jason Muehlebach and Monty Muehlebach, as well as many extended family members and friends.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, followed by Masonic services and a Rose Ceremony by the Royal Order of Jesters at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 23rd, in Bennett Auditorium of Ararat Shrine Temple, 5100 Ararat Drive, Kansas City, MO 64129.  Burial with military honors will follow in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: Honor Flight Network of Kansas City, care of Kendallwood Hills, 8559 North Line Creek Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64154, in memoriam of Clifford A. “Pete” McComas.  You may send a message to the family or sign an on-line guest book via www.parklawnfunerals.com. Arrangements: Park Lawn Funeral Home (816) 523-1234.