William John "Bill" Clifton, 64, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday (August 29, 2015) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The son of William Robert and Lillie Charlotte (Potter) Clifton he was born August 10, 1951 in Kirksville, Missouri. On September 25, 1971 in Kirksville, Missouri, Bill was united in marriage to Teresa "Teri" Wernert.

Bill is survived by his wife Teri of forty-three years; one son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Jennifer Clifton of Kirksville, MO; two daughters Christina Bartlett and husband Steve of St. Joseph, MO, and Charlotte Kellison and fiancée Josh Deleeuw of Kirksville, MO; four grandchildren, Alexa and Landon Kellison and Will and Ben Bartlett; brothers-in-law Robert Wernert and wife Alvena and Billy Wernert and wife Janice; one sister-in-law, Lori Koennemann and husband Joe, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Barbara Mahurin and Pat Thompson, and one brother, Jim Clifton.

Bill was a graduate from Kirksville High School with the Class of 1969. From 1970 to 1976, Bill served in the National Guard. He worked at McGraw Edison's, Ice House, Westlakes, and for the past fourteen years was employed for Chariton Valley Association, which became his second family.

Bill's family was everything to him and he loved spending time with his grandchildren teaching them how to fish and hunt. He also loved wood working, where he made rocking chairs, rocking horses, baby cradles and timeout benches for numerous family and friends.

In his grandchildren's eyes Papa knew everything

Public visitation will be held Tuesday (September 1, 2015) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday (September 2, 2015) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Alan Coonfield officiating.

It was Bill's wish to be cremated following his service.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Bill Clifton may be made to Chariton Valley Association. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.