John Clifton

IN MEMORY OF: John Clifton Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri John Clifton, 81, a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau County, passed away peacefully at his home on August 11, 2025, after an 8½-year battle with post-stroke complications. Born in Jackson, Missouri, to the late Elsie and Roscoe Clifton, John graduated from Jackson High School in 1962. He made his home in Jackson until 1994, when he and his beloved wife, Deborah (Kamp) Clifton, moved to Cape Girardeau. The couple were married on February 10, 1968, and shared 57 years of devoted partnership. From an early age, John demonstrated a deep commitment to serving his community. He began working for Cracraft–Miller Furniture & Funeral Home (now Ford & Son Funeral Home), where he obtained his Funeral Director’s license, a credential he maintained for 35 years. Over the decades, John’s career spanned law enforcement, fire service, investigations, and public office. His professional and volunteer service included: • 32 years as a volunteer with the Jackson Fire Department • Officer with the Jackson Police Department • Volunteer for Cape Girardeau County Civil Defense (then the county fire department) • Member of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Patrol and Royal Oak Juvenile Program • Past Chairman of the Region 8 Council on Criminal Justice • Past President of the MCMEA • Councilman for the City of Jackson • Deputy Coroner for Coroners George Rouse and John Carpenter • Investigator for the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Department and member of the Major Case Squad • Peace Officer of the Year recipient • District Supervisor for the Missouri Division of Liquor Control, overseeing 19 counties • Federal Court Security Officer for the U.S. Marshal Service • Cape Girardeau County Coroner for 16 years, a role many believe he most cherished In addition to public service, John was a dedicated entrepreneur. He owned and operated a convenience store in Jackson for several years, co-founded Investigative Associates, Inc. with his wife (specializing in fire investigations in Missouri and Arkansas), and most recently owned Midwest Mortuary Transport, LLC, which he established in 2004. John was a proud member of Cape Girardeau Elks Lodge 639, served on the Salvation Army advisory board, and enjoyed volunteering for Cape Girardeau airshows. While his career was his passion, John also enjoyed the occasional round of golf, fishing trips, traveling with Deborah, and visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they formed lasting friendships. Time with family, friends, and beloved pets—Tiger, Charlie Brown, Trixie, Hunter, Blackie, and Daisy—was always treasured. He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah; two sons, Scott (Katherine) Clifton of Naperville, IL, and Chris (Karla) Clifton of Cape Girardeau; two grandchildren, Morgan Clifton of Naperville, and Anthony (Felicity) Clifton of Grays, UK; and two great-grandchildren, Lucas Pacheco and Lexi Clifton. He also leaves behind three nephews, Jim Hughey of Missouri City, TX; Scott Hughey of Trinidad, CO; and David (Victoria) Niswonger of Chesterfield, MO; two nieces, Beth (Mike) Amaro of Houston, TX; and Deborah (Mel) Pohlman of Elburn, IL; three grand-nieces and five grand-nephews. The family would like to extend their countless thank you’s and appreciation to their special friends, Janet Berendzen and VNA AIM and Hospice for everything they have done. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters and their husbands—Virginia (Floyd) Thiele, Mary Lou (Jim) Hughey, Betty (Gene) Jaco, and Margaret (Gary) Niswonger; a niece, Susie (John) Ellison; and a niece-in-law, Tracy Hughey. Visitation will be held Friday, August 22, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Crain Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 829 N. West End Blvd., Cape Girardeau. The Cape Girardeau Elks Lodge 639 will conduct a service at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 23, at 1:00 p.m. at Crain Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating. A visitation at the funeral home will also be held on the day of the service from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. Interment will follow the service at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson. Memorial contributions may be made to: • Southeast Missouri Pets, 180 Weston St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 – semopets.org • Jackson Police Dept. Benevolent Fund, 202 W. Jackson Blvd., Jackson, MO 63755 • Jackson Fire Rescue, 525 S. Hope St., Jackson, MO 63755 • Cape Girardeau Police Dept., 2530 Maria Louise Ln., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 • Cape Girardeau Fire Rescue Foundation Fund, 1 S. Sprigg, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 • Adult & Teen Challenge of Mid-America, 303 MATC Lane, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 John Clifton lived a life of tireless service, integrity, and dedication to others. His legacy will endure in the countless lives he touched through his work, his volunteerism, and his kindness. Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

John Clifton

June 12, 1944 - August 11, 2025