Richard Ernest Clifton

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Richard Ernest Clifton, 91, of Jackson, MI on April 8, 2023.

Richard was born on January 1, 1932, to Katie and Kenneth Clifton in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the youngest of 6 children, preceded by Albert, Jeannie, Jack, Vernon, and Verna. After graduating from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, Richard attended Air Force Service School in Denver, CO and Butler University in Indianapolis, IN.

In 1951, he joined the Air Force Finance Corps and was stationed around the US before his arrival in Shaftesbury, England where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. In November 1953, they were married and resided in Shaftesbury for two years before moving back to Indianapolis. Following stops in Hobart, IN and Detroit, MI, they settled in Jackson, MI to raise their two children, Tracey and Adam. One of Richard’s great joys was coaching baseball for the Jackson Southwest Little League for many years, including a few when his son, Adam, played for the team. Never one to show favoritism, he was tougher on Adam than the rest of the team.

Richard’s first job at Peoples Bank & Trust as Head Teller kickstarted a 45-year career in banking that culminated with his 30-year tenure as President and CEO of Security Savings Bank (now Flagstar Bank). Richard always looked back on his career fondly, especially attending the yearly conferences at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island with his family.

Richard was a member and director of many professional, business, and civic organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, Jaycees, U.S. League of Savings Institutions, Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and Michigan League of Savings Institutions, where he served as President.

Over the years, Richard’s hobbies included fishing, reading, investing, watching WWII documentaries, and playing the lottery. As a friendly and charismatic man, he enjoyed chatting with everyone. A man of countless stories, some factual and others less so, he could regale those around him for many hours and greatly enjoyed doing so! After retiring, he enjoyed spending time at his second residence in Longboat Key, FL where he would golf and play tennis with his wife and friends or host his children and grandchildren during school vacations.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 70 years, Dorothy; children Tracey Wonnacott (James) and Adam Clifton (Laura); grandchildren: Collin Wonnacott (Daria), Caralina Wigfield (Simon), Kyle Clifton, and Cole Clifton. Prior to starting his own family, he became very close with his many nieces and nephews, and they will miss him dearly.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Elara Caring Hospice for their attention and compassion. Cremation has taken place, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation. Donations can be sent to: Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI 49202. Online donations can be made at: https://elaracaringhospicefoundation.org/

A visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11th at the Watson Funeral Chapel at 2590 Spring Arbor Rd in Jackson, MI. His funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12th at the Watson Funeral Chapel at 2590 Spring Arbor Rd in Jackson, MI.  

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