Clifford Dallas Hiatt
With his wife lovingly by his side, Clifford Dallas Hiatt passed away on Monday, March 9, 2020. Born September 3, 1939 to Clifford & Fern Irene Hiatt (Frey) in Butte, Dallas was an active child filled with curiosity. Two years later, sister DeeDee joined him in his adventures. The family moved to Rimini when he was 4 for his father’s mine work, and a year later, they moved to Helena. Dallas attended Helena High school, and 50 years later, was instrumental in helping pull off their class reunion. While he didn’t love formal education, he was very wise & knowledgeable about a variety of topics, & enjoyed rich conversations throughout his life. His quick wit was impressive to all.
After serving 4 years in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic & being honorably discharged, Dallas married Sharon Lynn Cloke in 1964. To this union, 2 daughters were born. Lynn & Dallas later divorced.
Growing up, Dallas acquired his work ethic by watching his talented mother run several restaurants. He worked as a sheet metal journeyman for heating & cooling businesses throughout Montana, as well as in Nevada, Arizona, & California.
While living in Billings, Betty Allen was drawn to his personality & dance skills, and after a 10 year courtship, they married in Nevada. Dallas enjoyed gaining 2 stepdaughters & 3 granddaughters in this union. Married just under 30 years, Dallas & Betty cherished each other’s company while living in Montana, Arizona, & California.
When dad wasn’t working, he could be found tinkering in his garage, reloading in his gun room, and/or taking apart & rebuilding Jeeps. If he was inside, he’d likely be seen watching black & white shows, namely westerns, sci-fi & detective shows, and classic comedy (Three Stooges, Laurel & Hardy, and Little Rascals). In his later years, Dallas enjoyed working out at the Broadwater and the camaraderie of friends at his exercise class at Fort Harrison.
Dallas is survived by wife Betty of Helena; daughters Kristi (Jay) Jarrett & Kerri (Lynn) Hiatt, all of Great Falls; stepdaughters Cindy Paul of Billings & Pam (Harvey) Chow of California; grandchildren Justin (Sarah) & Jake Jarrett, Charli Jo, Randi (Jill), & Kelsey, and 4 great granddaughters. Also dearly mourning his passing are nephew Jude Frank Mayo (Cynthia), niece Monica (Gary) Rankin, several great nieces & a great nephew, his aunt Shirley Miller, and several cousins.
Preceding him in death are his parents, sister & brother-in-law Delsey “DeeDee” & Frank Mayo, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Special thanks to the caring & hardworking staff at Fort Harrison and Cooney Convalescent Home, as well as local firefighters for quickly responding to numerous lift assists while Dallas was able to be at home.
A memorial service celebrating Dallas’ life is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday, March 16th , at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow, and ashes will be placed with full military honors at Fort Harrison at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dallas’ name are suggested to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 2 (930 Sierra Road West, Helena, MT 59602) or the charity of the donors’ choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 16, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Monday March 16, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 16, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 16, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of His Life
Monday March 16, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Monday March 16, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Frank Mayo says
To my all time hero, I will miss you brother, you taught me much and made me laugh a lot! That .30-06 you built for me still drives tacks at 800 yards, and I never met a better gunsmith or mechanic. Thanks for letting me take the CJ5 out in Billings after the divisional basketball tournament when I was in High School… I know you knew then what 17 year old boys in 385 BHP Jeeps do all night, and you still let me take it out to run wild on the streets of Yellowstone County!! You were, are, and will always be the best uncle a young man could ever have, rest in peace my friend and say hello to your sister and my father, I am so happy you are all reunited in heaven.
Cynthia Mayo says
Your hardy laugh infectious!! I will forever remember how you could command a room and have us all rolling in our seats. The story of you and dad at the Camp Thunderbird and dad overheating the cabin so badly that you woke up and had to stand outside of the cabin for a time to cool off, is still the funniest family story. You and Betty were always very supportive of Frank and I. Loving brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, and more, until we meet again…
Evy Burris Sass says
To the friends, family & loved ones I send my condolences for Dallas. My fun rememberance of Dallas goes back to the 80’s when Dallas was at the Holfbra playing Keno & said, “Evy, pick me three numbers”. So I quickly replied 3, 13, 33 & guess what, Dallas won. He must have added my 3# ‘s to his #’s, maybe? Anyway, we all got a kick out of that fun happening. Dallas looks good till the end. I know he will be missed. Rest In Peace Dallas. Evy
Bing del GALLEGO Calvert says
Kerri, my deeepest condolences. May the good Lord take him in his embrace and escort him to the kingdom of heaven.
Jim & Mary Martinez says
Dallas thanks for being a great friend.. Always enjoyed being in exercise class at the Fort. Always remember the great tips you have me on how to shine my new truck. You were and are a great man Jim & Mary