Ralph Eugene Clifton

RALPH EUGENE CLIFTON, of Grabill, died Friday, Oct. 28, 2005, at his residence. A native of Wren, Ohio, he was a World War II veteran having served in the Pacific Theatre for 44 months and received the Presidential Citation for bravery and valor in the Okinawa battle. He enjoyed his grandchildren and family and loved music. "His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16." He sang many years with the Senior Saints of Grabill Missionary Church, where he attended since 1955. He was an ardent Ohio Buckeye fan. He grew up in the Wren United Brethren in Christ Church, where his grandfather Culbertson was pastor. He recently retired From Grabill Bank after 50 years of service. He was the bank's second CEO. He held memberships and board positions in the past in the following organizations: Ohio Post 5713 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion Post 409, in Leo, Grabill Bank board, Grabill Chamber of Commerce board, the town board of Grabill, Northeast Allen County School board, Cedar Creek Township Advisory Board, the Grabill Fire Department, Cedar Creek Lions Club and the Better Business Bureau board. Surviving are his daughters, Cheryl Cox of Wren, Ohio and Vicki L. (Michael) Bregenzer of Grabill.; one son, Brent L. (Vicki) Clifton of Grabill; three brothers, Duane Clifton of Wren, Ohio, Floyd Edward Clifton of Pleasant Lake and Rex L. Clifton of Orland; eight grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mildred Marie Clifton, in 1999; one brother, Carl Clifton; and two sisters, Maxine Sharpe and Ruth Ann Brake. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday at Grabill Missionary Church, 13637 State St., Grabill, with visitation one hour before service. Visitation also from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the church. Memorials to Ralph and Mildred Clifton Scholarship Fund at Huntington College. Arrangements by Hockemeyer Funeral Home, Harlan.