Robert Gene Clifton

Robert Gene "Bob" Clifton left this world to meet his Lord and Savior on June 26, 2023 at the age of 69. He was surely greeted by his older brother Alvin Lee and his parents Alvin and Mary at the Gates of Heaven.
Bob was born on October 10th, 1953 in Springfield, MO and lived his whole life in the area. His days were spent helping his family on their farm where he shaped his incredible work ethic and skills for making anything grow. He graduated from Glendale High School in Springfield and also studied at Missouri State University. During school he worked at Schnuk's Grocery where he truly enjoyed his job and the lessons learned. He talked about it fondly and often even up to the time of his passing. After briefly working with his brother Alvin, he went on to work for American National until he retired after 38 years in 2018. Not only did he work his job in insurance, but he also embraced his passion for music as a Music Minister for various churches. Other ways he expressed his love for music was playing the trumpet or drums with many small groups and leading praise and worship bands.
His love for his family and friends was unrivaled. He was always more than happy to lend a helping hand or offer advice from his many years of experience in just about everything. After retirement, he quickly found purpose in working alongside his nephew Sam with Millstone Homes. His incredible attention to detail helped him succeed in his work life, but it was also very apparent in his love for gardening. Those that knew him knew that he loved his lawn and he worked tirelessly at making sure it was nothing short of perfect. Even if it was raining out, he would find a way to be outside doing the things he loved doing the most and it was obvious he loved his lawn. After open heart surgery, Bob suffered a stroke in 2022 and lost some of his mobility on his right side. This didn't stop him from exhibiting his tenacity and determination by learning how to get back on his mower and in the garden, truly making it work with what he had.
When he wasn't working, he also found joy in his wife Esther, step-children Austin Henry, Joey Henry along with his wife Toni and grandchildren; Jocelyn, Reese, Londyn, and Asher Henry. His oldest sister Mary Joan Chapman, her children David and Steven Chapman, his youngest sister Carol Clifton, and his sister-in-law Grace Clifton. Sam and Michelle Clifton, their children Taylor, Dustin, and Nathan. His niece, Lori Matthews as well as her children Ryan and Connor.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be sent to Ridgecrest Baptist Church for their "Celebrate Recovery" program of which Bob loved playing the drums, leading, and singing. https://www.continuetogive.com/4836165/donation_prompt Ridgecrest Baptist Church 2210 W Republic Rd Springfield, MO 65807 (Check Memo: Celebrate Recovery, In Memory of Bob Clifton