FRANCIS H. CLIFTON

- Francis H. Clifton, 93 of DeLand passed away July 7, 2013 in Duluth, Georgia. He was born February 24, 1920 in Grapevine, Arkansas. Francis was a U.S. Naval pilot during World War II, flying PBY's on rescue and reconnaissance missions, and delivering supplies to troops in the South Pacific. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in Monticello and earned his Master's Degree in Forestry from Yale University. He was a member of First Baptist Church DeLand and attended the Mel Sloan Fellowship Class, where he served as treasurer. Francis was a past member of the Society of American Foresters and member and past president of the DeLand and West Volusia Board of Realtors. He was the owner of Clifton Timber and Reality in DeLand, offering his expertise as a forester and a Realtor. In partnership with Bill Gould and John Turner, Francis started the first multiple-listing service for area Realtors in the late 1960's. He created and contributed crossword puzzles to the DeLand Beacon in the 1990's and often helped the newspaper in its coverage of World War II and veteran affairs. He is survived by his brother William D. Clifton, Jr. of Lancaster, CA. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth of more than 50 years. A funeral will be held on Friday, July 19th at 11am at Allen-Summerhill Memorial Chapel with a visitation from 10-11am prior. Dr. Robert Mulkey will officiate. He will interned at Oakdale Cemetery and lay next to his wife. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum. Online condolences may be made at www.allensummerhillfuneral.com. Allen-Summerhill DeLand is in charge.