Jerry Clifton, Sr.

Jerry E. Clifton Sr., age 75 of Centralia, IL, was received into Heaven on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born on February 24, 1940 in Centralia, IL, the son of Rev. James Verle Clifton and Julia Helen (Sinclair) Clifton. He married Nina Blake on June 3, 1959 in Centralia, IL. He is survived by his wife; a son, Jerry Clifton Jr. and wife Becky of Centralia; a daughter, Kim Brodish and husband Bob of Menomonee Falls, WI; a daughter, Cindy Nelson of Centralia; seven grandchildren, Curtis Clifton and Nicole Clifton and fiance Kyle McCoy of Centralia, John Brodish of Washington, D.C., Mallory Brodish and Eric Brodish of Menomonee Falls, WI, Blake Miller and Abbi Nelson of Centralia; one great-grandchild, Addison Miller of Centralia; a sister, Toby Clifton of Las Vegas, NV; two sister-in-laws: Lois Clifton of Salem, IL and Phyllis Clifton of Centralia; a brother-in-law, Bob Davis and Kathy of Centralia; several extended family members and special friends Bill and Doris Wimpy. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ellis Clifton, Ernie Clifton Sr. and Bob Clifton Sr.; sisters, Thelma Eagan, Jane McClain, Mary Lou Beckemeyer; brothers-in-law, Harley Eagan, Ivan McClain, and Bill Beckemeyer; and a son-in-law, Mike Nelson. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Centralia and a member of the First General Baptist Church of Centralia. He took pride in the contributions he made towards the construction to the churche's current location. Jerry loved and trusted the Lord. He shared his faith so others would know Him too. Jerry was a member of the Kinmundy Masonic Lodge # 398. He was a member of the Centralia Wireless Association Inc. Club and his call letters were KF9AO. Jerry was the chairman of the radio room at the Centralia Historical Museum. Jerry enjoyed testing other ham radio enthusiasts for their licenses and was an administrator over repeaters. He retired from the Teamsters Union and during his career worked for 7-Up Bottling Company, Centralia Cartage, Commercial Lovelace, and Preston Trucking Company. Funeral services for Jerry Clifton will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the First General Baptist Church in Centralia with Pastor Bryan Bennett officiating . Entombment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 27 from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. and on Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to the time of service at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First General Baptist Church of Centralia building fund and will be accepted at the church or at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, which is assisting the family with arrangements.

Jerry Clifton, Sr.

February 24, 1940 - March 22, 2015