"I remember Tom back when both of us were members of the 106th Tank Bn.,Illinois Army National Guard and were both in the Recon plt. Tom was one of the slightest built guys in the platoon so naturally the powers that be assigned him to carry the BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle), which was the heavest of all the personal weapons. I don't remember that any of us ever got to fire this famous firearm. Tom was always easy going and had a lot of funny tales to share. I always liked the one when he was at the local drive in theater. I will share it if you haven't heard it. Sorry to hear of his passing."
In loving memory of
Thomas Edward Clifton
May 17, 1936 - August 12, 2007
THOMAS E. CLIFTON MUSCATINE, Iowa - Thomas Edward Clifton, 71, of Muscatine, died Sunday, August 12, 2007, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. A Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 16, 2007, at the Calvary Church. The Reverend Ted Landers will officiate the service. Casketbearers will be Matthew Windett, Ryan Windett, John Gilchrist, Dan Frey, Dan Windett and Al Love. Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2007, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley Freers Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. Thomas was born on May 17, 1936 in Urbana, Illinois. He married Janice R. Helbling on June 8, 1957 in Champaign, Illinois. He had attended Calvary Church and was a former member of Kiwanis and the Muscatine Chamber of Commerce. He served in the Army National Guard for 10 years in Urbana, Illinois. He enjoyed fishing, collecting old time radio shows and was a huge St. Louis Cardinal fan. Survivors include his wife, Janice R. Clifton, of Muscatine; one son, Michael T. Clifton and his wife, Sarah Fink-Clifton, of Iowa City; three daughters, Shelly Windett and her husband, Daniel, of Stillwater, Minnesota, Bridgette Gilchrist and her husband, John, of Northbrook, Illinois, and Christina Frey and her husband, Dan, of Bettendorf; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Tributes
"Dearest Jan: How we now cherish, more than ever, our recent visit to your lovely home & feeling the warmth of Christian love there w/you & Tom. The wonderful church service, walking beside the Mississippi River & photos taken there will be lasting memories! Tomā??s been Donā??s faithful high school buddy for over 50yrs & has many precious memories of their times together. Don will always cherish their regular HS Reunions. I'll always remember Tomā??s pleasant smiling face, displaying to me, Peace. He may have lost his battle w/cancer, but Tom is truly at Peace now & has received his ultimate healing! God loves all of you & so do we! PEACE 2U"
"While having met Mr. Clifton only once, I feel I know him through all of Bridgette's stories. What an amazing testimony his life and death are to marriage, fatherhood, heaven and Christ. I pray that God will comfort you all and give you strength during this time. Wtih Love and Sympathy, Alicia O'Connell"
"Jan and Family---Bob and I send our sincere condolences. We have fond memories of the Monday night cleaningsessions and the time I spent on Booster Club Board with Tom. He loved his family and never tired of sharing the fun times you had together. Memories are precious and do help ease the pain. He won't be forgotten. Sincerely, Bob and Donna"
"On behalf of the 1954 Urbana High School class, I send our deepest sympathies to Tom's family. Tom is remembered very fondly as a very kind and unassuming individual. We were blessed to have him in our midst."
"Mike, So sorry to read of your father's passing. May you and your family find comfort in the coming days."
"To Jan and family - I send my thoughts and prayers. I am so sad to learn of Tom's passing. I know the family will especially miss him, but the world will miss his presence as well. Jan I will get in touch with you when I return home. Love, Jan"
"My condolences to the Clifton family. Tom and Jan are two of the most wonderful people I have had the priveledge of knowing and my deepest sympathies go to the family."
"Bridgette, I just left Muscatine this morning, logged onto the Journal's web site and saw the news of your father. I offer my prayer for your family, and hope your mother remembers me and my mom, Marjorie Sloat from Calvary."