Clifford Paul Coussens

Clifford Paul Coussens lit up the world with his birth on August 1, 1948 in Moline, Illinois. The son of Remy and Alma Coussens, he grew up on a farm in rural Illinois with four brothers and two sisters. Early on he developed a life-long passion for art, and he painted his first masterpiece at 12 years old. 

While working on his Bachelor’s Degree (majoring in art education and minoring in mathematics) at Western Illinois University, he met the love of his life, Sarah Ruth Meloan. They were married on July 3, 1971 and moved to Davenport, Iowa, where Cliff began his career in the Davenport Community School District. During the summer months he worked to obtain his master’s degree in art, with an emphasis in ceramics, through Northern Illinois University, which he earned in 1976. Cliff loved inspiring creativity and an appreciation for the arts among the youth throughout his 34 years of teaching. He was an active contributing member of state and national arts organizations and won many awards for both his teaching and artwork.

Cliff and Sarah made their home in Davenport, IA, in a lovely 2-story 1920 house that Cliff made many additions and improvements to during the 44 years they lived there. He was always busy with projects around the house and yard; if not at home then out helping other family, friends, and neighbors. Cliff was a very involved father and supportive of his children: Nathan, Emily, and Alissa. In 2021, Cliff and Sarah uprooted and moved to Bountiful, UT, to be closer to and help their youngest daughter, Alissa, raise her young family. Cliff’s children and grandchildren, Lily, Quinten, Gabriel, and Noah, were his pride and joy. 

Cliff was a multi-talented man that could build and fix anything. He was an extremely patient husband and father. He had a ready smile and laugh, and a great sense of humor. He enjoyed frequent family trips to Colorado and Ocean City, playing cards, going out to eat, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. He was an active member of the Catholic Church throughout his life. 

Cliff passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024 at the age of 75 at Whisper Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care in Kaysville, UT, due to complications from multiple strokes. His family is grateful for the wonderful and loving staff that cared for him in his last 4 months.  

Cliff is survived by his wife, Sarah Coussens; his children, Nathan (Tracey) Coussens, Emily (Jay Herman) Coussens, and Alissa (Clint) Grover; his grandchildren, Lily and Quinten Coussens, Gabriel and Noah Grover; his siblings, George (Nadine) Coussens, Tom (Carole) Coussens, Jilleen (John) Wagner, Walt (Jill) Coussens, Lawrence (Barb) Coussens, and Judy (Lee) Thomas; his sisters-in-law, Katherine Meloan and Julie Meloan; as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. 

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Remy August Coussens and Alma Mary (Maertens) Coussens, and his sister-in-law, Becky Meloan.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held on a to-be-determined date this summer in the Quad Cities area of Iowa and Illinois. In remembrance of Cliff, the family will be donating to the Davenport Community School District Art Department. Donations can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/clifford-coussens; on Venmo to @Alissa-Grover, or through PayPal to alissa.grover@gmail.com.