Obituary of Howard Clifton

CLIFTON, HOWARD JAMES Ocala - Howard James Clifton left his earthly family to be reunited with his family in heaven on March 19, 2009. Howard was born April 10, 1922 in Tidioute, PA to George and Minnie Clifton. He graduated from Warren High School in 1942. At age 20 he joined the Army and served in the Office of Strategic Services (the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency). He served in China, Burma and India until the end of WWII. Howard was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant on Nov. 3, 1945. After his military duty was over, he returned home and married his sweetheart, Charlotte Kingsley on May 31, 1946. They raised two children, James Howard Clifton (Cathleen) and Carol Ann Fraser (Doug) all whom survive him. Also surviving are grandchildren, Matthew Fraser and Todd Clifton. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Baby Girl Clifton and a grandson, Chad Fraser. Howard led a very active and interesting life up to the time of his passing. Howard and Charlotte started their married life by building a general store in Dugal, PA. They sold the store and moved to Warren, PA, where Howard worked in the offices of Emblem Oil Co. Tired of having his destiny tied to the decisions of others, he built a gasoline filling station, Service Oil Co. in Starbrick, PA. Over the years, two more gas stations and some other side businesses were added to his collection. In 1968, during a vacation in Florida, Howard and Charlotte fell in love with a piece of property in Ocala. With careful planning and lots of work, the tangle of cabbage palm and scrub eventually became Clifton Mobile City. Through the years, this small community became family. Howard's passing leaves a big open space in the lives of his family and all of the people he touched. He always had an interesting tale or wise word to keep the conversation interesting. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Nazarene, 3732 NE 7th St., Ocala, FL at 2:00 PM on Monday, March 23, 2009 with Rev. Barry Dunlap and Rev. Ron Blazer officiating. Interment of ashes will be performed during the summer in Tidioute, PA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Marion County, PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478.