Maurice H. Clifton

Maurice Kip H. Clifton, 92, of Bellevue, passed away Monday, June 17, 2013, at Mill Valley Care Center in Bellevue. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon July 20, 2013 at Hachmann Funeral Home & Cremation in Bellevue. Visitation for Maurice will be held prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Savanna IL at a later date. Maurice was born on April 8, 1921 in Bagley, Wisconsin, son of Harley and Lillian (Heaton) Clifton. He married Roberta Nicoletti on September 17, 1949 in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna IL. Roberta passed away February 11, 2013. Maurice graduated from Savanna High School in 1939 and attended the University of Illinois. He served in the United States Army during WWII. Maurice owned and operated a service station in Milledgeville, IL. Later he and Roberta moved to Elizabeth IL, where he owned a Gambles hardware store. In 1966 they moved to Bellevue, where he worked and later retired from Goetz Implement. Maurice was patient, soft-spoken, and easy going. He was a talented carpenter. He was a sports enthusiast, enjoyed watching all sports on TV, but was a Bears, Cub's and Hawkeye fan through and through. He enjoyed reading, golfing, listening to Big Band music, playing cards and traveling with his wife. In their earlier retirement years they spent winters in Texas and Florida . He was known for his 'special' Lemonade, that he made for every Fourth of July party at their house. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and always had great stories to tell. Maurice was a wonderful, caring man and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to honor his memory include his three children, Michael (Diana) Clifton, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Sherie (Jeff Herm) Melton, of Clinton, Iowa and Michelle (Rob) Gonzales, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; five grandchildren, Grant, Melanie, John, Courtney and Paulina; two great granddaughters, Aleigha and Violet; a nephew, Jim Potter; and two nieces, Merikay and Karen Potter. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sister, Shirley Potter. The family would like to thank the staff at Mill Valley Care Center for their care and concern given to Maurice these last few years.Reception:American Legion111 Market StreetBellevue, IA 52031