William H. Clifton, Jr.

The Obituary of
William H. Clifton, Jr.
1939 – 2022
“To live for God’s glory and to walk in his truth,
brings peace to the aged and joy to the youth.
And at the end of life’s journey
there’s His promised reward
of life everlasting in the House of the Lord.”

William “Bill” Harold Clifton Jr., was born May 4, 1939 in a farmhouse on Nelson Road in Ohio County, Indiana to William Harold Sr. and Irene Scalf Clifton.  He departed this life peacefully at his home in Rising Sun, Indiana surrounded by his loving family on March 9, 2022 having reached the age 82 years, 10 months and 5 days.
He was a dedicated student and athlete while attending Rising Sun elementary and high schools where he graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1957 and earned many varsity letters.  He lived in Rising Sun with his parents and sister until he started his post-secondary education at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana.  
At Franklin he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and a minor in physics in 1961.  While at Franklin he was a member of the starting five for the Franklin Grizzlies Men’s Basketball team during all four years of college and never missed a practice or game. He also ran for the Cross-country team.  He was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and earned the distinction as a member of the honorary Blue Key Academic fraternity.    
On April 16, 1960 he married his lifelong sweetheart Carolyn Louise Martin.  Bill and Carolyn had known each other since they were three-years old living on Mulberry Street in Rising Sun. They began their wedded life together in Speedway, Indianapolis.   
Following his graduation from college, he was offered a teaching position at Pike High School in Indianapolis and there he pursued a long career in education where he taught at Rising Sun, Batesville, Aurora and South Dearborn high schools.  During his early teaching career, he also earned his Master of Science in Education from Indiana University in 1969.  In addition to his teaching duties, he coached for 15 years including:  Basketball, Cross-country and Baseball.   Later in his career he taught several college courses at Ivy Tech Community College and Purdue University.
Learning to know Christ and Him crucified, Bill obeyed his Lord’s command and was baptized on January 22, 1950 and thereafter, was a member of the Rising Sun Church of Christ where he served as Deacon and other various offices. He was a spiritual leader to his church and family by his example and instruction and he attended services regularly until his health began to fail him.
He also devoted much time and teaching to his lodge, the Rising Sun Masonic Lodge #6 F. and A.M.  He entered as an apprentice to the fraternity on May 4, 1960, his 21st birthday.  He was a Past Master of the Lodge and later earned his Scottish Rite degree.
Bill served his local community in many ways and was a long-time member on the Rising Sun Cemetery Board.  He also served on the Oho County Economic Development Board.
Bill’s passions were his family, basketball and golf.  In his later years he often reminisced of his time spent with his ancestors and family.   He enjoyed basketball and loved to watch his favorite team, the I.U. Hoosiers.  He enjoyed reading, especially science and the Holy Bible.  In 1996 Bill & Carolyn purchased a “winter” home in High Point, Florida where he was member of the High Point Golf Club and played as often as possible, he genuinely enjoyed the friendly competition.  During the last few years, Bill, along with his daughter’s help, dedicated his time caring for his wife during the early and advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.   
Bill is survived by Carolyn, his loving wife of 61 years, son Mr. William “Trey” Clifton (Barbara), daughter Mrs. Debra “Dee” Thies (Rob); Grandchildren Mrs. Jennifer Thies Reed (Todd), Dr. Sarah Clifton McMullen (Greg), Mr. Justin Thies (Sammi), Dr. Leah Clifton Sinclair (Tyler).  Ten great grandchildren which he adored, Ayden Reed, Trenton Thies, Ayverie Reed Austin Thies, Ava McMullen, Evie McMullen, Aycen Reed, Isla McMullen, Lily Sinclair and Trevor William Sinclair; sister Mrs. Audrey Bovard (late Dick), brother-in-law, Mr. Charles Martin; Niece Dr. Tammy Schwing (Scott), nephew Mr. Trevor Bovard (Micky); nieces and nephews.

We do not lose the ones we love,
They only go before
Where there is everlasting life;
Where sorrow and pain is no more.
There the soul will always live,
And peace is everywhere.
We do not lose the ones we love,
God takes them in his care.

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Wednesday, March 23rd at the Rising Sun Church of Christ in Rising Sun, IN. Visitation will be 5-8 PM,  Tuesday, March 22nd at Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun. Burial will be at Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Rising Sun Church of Christ, Rising Sun Masonic Lodge #6 or to Loving Hearts Hospice. Cards are available at the funeral home. marklandfuneralhome.com

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