William James Clifton

William James "Bill" Clifton was born to Raymond E. and Fern (Scott) Clifton in Platteville, Wisconsin on April 13, 1930, and passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 95. Though he lived nearly a century, Bill carried himself with the energy and appearance of someone twenty years younger, a testament to his resilience and zest for life.

Over the years, Bill made his home in Savanna, Illinois; Ottumwa, Iowa; Allen, Texas; and most recently Princeton, Texas.

Bill proudly served his country as part of the U.S. occupying force in Germany after World War II, where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He returned to the United States in November of 1953, carrying with him the discipline and leadership that would shape the rest of his life.

He dedicated 38 years of his career to the Milwaukee Railroad, retiring as a respected Train Dispatcher. Ever industrious, he explored side ventures including insurance sales and carpet cleaning. He also served as Editor of the Train Dispatcher Union Magazine, reflecting his commitment to the railroad community. A lifelong stock market investor, Bill was known for his keen eye on financial opportunities. He managed rental properties and worked closely with his son Steven in real estate, further showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.

He especially cherished his monthly coffee meetings with friends, where laughter, stories, and companionship were shared.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Norma Clifton; his daughter Ruth Clifton; his sons Steven Clifton and Douglas (Robin) Clifton; his step-sons Brian Dane and Scott Dane; and his son-in-law Delbert Adkins. He was a proud grandfather to Natalie, Ann, Jessica, Tyler, Haylie, Spencer, and Davis, and a cherished great-grandfather to Violet, Landon, Addalyn, Fisher, Amos, Eliza, Bailee, Wyatt, Danna, Madison, and Skylar. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, too many to list, who will remember him with love and admiration. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn Clifton; his daughter Krista Adkins; his grandson Jacob Adkins; his son-in-law Mark Whitaker; his brother Raymond S. (Corrine) Clifton; his sister Jane ("Hank") Thayer; his father Raymond E. Clifton; his mother Fern (Scott) Clifton; and his stepfather Percy Divall.

Bill will be remembered for his service to country, his hard work, faith, devotion to family, and youthful spirit. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he loved.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Grace Church, 2005 Estates Parkway, Lucas, Texas 75002.

Bill will be laid to rest with military honors at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, on Jan 2nd, 2026.