CAMDEN - The Right Reverend Clifford H. Tazelaar joined his heavenly father Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 at home, surrounded by his wife and family. The earth shook around Dover as a host of angels came to usher Gods faithful servant into his presence.
Rev. Tazelaar was born Mar. 24, 1926 at home on the "muck" farm in Barry County, Hastings, Mich. He was one of six children born to Edward Adrian Tazelaar and Mary Adalaide Priest Tazelaar.
Rev. Tazelaar served his country during World War II as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. After the war he returned to the States entered Eastern Nazarene College (now University) to begin his ministerial studies. Upon Leaving ENC, he attended Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla. where he received an AB in Religion and also in Psychology as well as a Masters in Theology. Upon graduation SNU he completed his formal education at Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Mo. where he was awarded a Masters in Divinity. He also received a teaching certificate from Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa. Rev. Tazelaar never quit learning. He completed educational studies throughout his life to assist him in working with others. While attending ENC, he met the "Love of his Life", Iva Laura Tyson from Waco, Texas. Her southern drawl and dimpled smile won his heart at first sight. They were married Dec. 27, 1948 in Prescott, Ark. From this union four children were born, two sons, James and John and two daughters Mary and Leah.
Rev. Tazelaar dedicated his life to serving God and his fellow man all over the world. One of his many passions was the Work and Witness program through the Church of the Nazarene. He spent many hours preparing and then accompanying teams of volunteers to other countries where he built and rebuilt schools, medical clinics, hospitals, churches and any other thing needed.
He was a member of the Rotary International where he was instrumental in the Camden/Wyoming Clubs building of a school and clinic in memory of Dr. James Gallagher as well as organized contributions from local doctors and surgeons to outfit a hospital in Ecuador. It was quite an undertaking as equipment had to be transported via the United States Air Force. Many hours were spent gaining clearances needed.
He was active as Chaplain, Colonel, and Commander of the Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, Dover Air Force Base. While serving he completed many search and rescue missions as a pilot of his private plane.
He was a volunteer mediator for the Center of Community Justice Program with the State of Delaware. Every Saturday morning he could be found at Bob Evans Restaurant for Bible Study with his "Promise Keepers" group. His work afforded he and his wife the opportunity to serve in 52 countries. In order to support their love of serving others, he owned and operated Tazelaar Roofing Service until his retirement in 1998. Rev. Tazelaar was a member of and attended the Cross Nazarene Church of Dover. Rev. Tazelaar was predeceased by his parents as well as four brothers, Russell Edward Tazelaar, Thomas Elroy Tazelaar, Richard Nelson Tazelaar and Donald David Harrison Tazelaar; and one sister, Dorothy Ellen Tazelaar Brock; as well as his oldest son, James Harold Tazelaar (Karen); and grandson, Mark Harold Tazelaar.
He is survived by his wife, Iva; his children and their spouses: son, John Edward Tazelaar (Sharon) of Camden; daughters, Mary Avonel Tazelaar Morris (Arthur) of Dover, and Leah Brack Tazelaar (Lonny) of Milford; along with his grandchildren, Christopher Allen Tazelaar, Elisabeth Ann Tazelaar, Adam Joseph Tazelaar, Addison John Tazelaar, Jason Edward Boller, Laura Brack Boller; eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; along with a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, in Torbert Funeral Chapel, 1145 E. Lebanon Rd., Dover, DE 19901. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be private.
Memory donations can be made to Church of the Nazarene World Missions, 1818 N. Little Creek Rd., Dover, DE 19901 or VITAS Healthcare, 100 Commerce Drive, Suite 302, Newark, DE 19713.
Letters of condolence and guestbook may be signed at Torbertfuneral.com