Joseph B. Clifton, 94, of Kansas City, MO, passed peacefully from this life Feb 7, 2011, at Adrian Manor. He was born in 1916 to Joseph C and Letha A. Clifton. He was the 4th of 6 children (Myrtle, W.C., Frank, Alice and John) who he has now joined in eternal peace. He proudly proclaimed that he was a member of one of the early families who had settled Raytown, MO. His entire life through was spent dedicated to that community, its citizens and its schools. He was a Life member of the Raytown Historical Society. He was an early member of the Raytown South High Booster Club where his sons were active in the sports programs and served as President in its formative years. He was active in Boy Scout Troop 145 and a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He worked for JL Cox and Son Pipe Stringing Co. until his retirement in 1979. He was a member of the Kansas City Swiss Society. He was a proud member of the US Army 71st Division and served in WWII in the European arena and in the Panama Canal. He was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant. After his return to civilian life he returned to Raytown and married the love of his life, Pauline Kupfer Clifton. He and Pauline lovingly nurtured their 4 children, Barry, Fred, Ricky and Elizabeth. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth and her husband Allen Chancellor, daughter-in-law Nancy Clifton, grandchildren Joseph Chancellor (Amanda), Andrew Clifton (Micah), Patrick Clifton and Suzanne Chancellor; great grand children, Kaylie Jo and Emmalie Chancellor , and Olivia and Ryan Clifton, each of which brought enormous joy to him in his failing years. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Marge Clifton, brother-in- law John Kupfer, and many nieces and nephews. His final 7 years were spent not only with his family but with his extended family at Adrian Manor Care Center where he was lovingly referred to as Papa and Grandpa. His life was rich and full with much laughter and good times, but also with unbelievable grief and many tears and the strength to sustain his family during those times. A good and Godly man of outstanding character. Daddy, I hope you give Mom and the Boys our love, and I hope if you have the need, God lets you enjoy your unforgettable "signature cigar" once in a while. Thanks for being simply the best Dad and Grandpa ever. We were so very blessed. Funeral Services are set for 2 p.m. Thursday, February 10, 2011, at Floral Hills Funeral Home. The Family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial: Floral Hills Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Raytown Historical Society or Adrian Manor. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.dwnewcomers.com. (Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Floral Hills Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., KCMO 64133, 816-353-1218.) D.W. Newcomer's Sons
Published in Kansas City Star on February 9, 2011