Charles Clayborn Clifton

On August 29th, 2017 at the age of 97, Charles Clayborn Clifton of Knoxville Iowa, formerly of Spencer, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Homestead Assisted Living in Knoxville, Iowa. Charles Clifton, the son of Cloyd and Cordelia Clifton, was born on January 27, 1920 in Peterson, Iowa. He grew up in Peterson with his brother, Glen and sister, Ruby and attended high school in Linn Grove, IA. Charles joined the US Coast Guard in 1938 and served in World War II. During his time in the service he traveled the world and was given a certificate when he crossed the equator. He met Mary Wolfe in Philadelphia, PA while the ship he was docked for repairs. They were married on September 13, 1942 in Maryland. After his time in the service, Charles and Mary lived and worked in Philadelphia and New Jersey where they had two children, Charles Jr. and Linda. They later moved to Spencer, Iowa where they had another daughter, Susan. While living in Spencer, they owned and operated a restaurant, Charlie's, until retirement. Charles was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Eagles member, and was a Chief Pilgrim at the Moose Lodge in Spencer, IA. In 2010, Charles and Mary moved to Homestead Assisted Living in Knoxville, IA. While living there, Charles participated in all activities and quickly became a staff favorite and friend to many of the residents. Charles was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved his family more than anything and had a smile that would light up a room with a wonderful sense of humor. He never met a stranger and was always putting others first. Charles loved being around family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, playing cards, bingo, horseshoes, camping, bowling, and watching the Vikings. He will always be remembered for his signature smiley-face pancakes on Sunday mornings and his advice to always leave with enough time so that you don't have to speed and to get home before it gets dark. This is something he reminded his family of often. He was an irreplaceable man. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Glen (Anna), sister, Ruby (Harold), and his beloved wife Mary. Left to cherish his memory are his son Charles Clifton, Jr. (Karen) of Mechanicsville, IA and two daughters, Linda Butler (Jeff) of Ruthven, IA and Susan Clifton Pearson (Paul) of Knoxville, IA, his grandchildren: Amy, Mike, Beth, Molly, Jeff, Reba, and Mara and great-grandchildren: Ashley, Autumn, Jazie, Kailee, Jaidyn, Sunnie, Ainsley, Spencer, Jalen, Nova, Avery, and Carmine along with other relatives and many friends. Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to the Moose Lodge in Spencer IA. 'Although his wings were ready our hearts were not.' He will be truly missed by all who knew him.

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