Robert (Bob) K. Clifton, 63 of Perryville, Missoui passed away on January 28th, 2025 at Mercy St. Louis Hospital, as God called him home to his eternal life in heaven as one of his newest angels.
Robert was born to the late James W. & Norma L. (Fritsche) Clifton on February 10th, 1961.
Robert is survived and missed by his loving wife, Michelle A. (Amschler) Clifton of almost 41 years; and his one and only “favorite daughter” Tiffany (Clifton) Schneier, along with his right-hand man and only son, Myles Clifton, his hired-hand turned son in-law, Gary Schneier, his long awaited daughter in-law, Sarah (Coyne) Clifton, his faith-filled mother in-law, Faye (Gibbar) Amschler, and his one and only grandson, Jake Schneier who he shared an unbreakable bond with and his world revolved around.
Robert is survived by his 9 siblings – 4 brothers and 5 sisters. Patricia (Edward) Hager, James (Patricia) Clifton, Carolyn (Larry) Pecaut, Michael (Cindy) Clifton, Diana Kennedy, Richard (Donell) Clifton, Steve (MaryAnn) Clifton, Linda (Dennis) Mattingly, Jeanine (Danny) Kennon, alongside 12 nephews and 9 nieces.
Robert was preceded in death by his loving parents, James W. & Norma L (Fritsche) Clifton and loving father in-law, Zeno E. Amschler, brother in-law Thomas Kennedy, and niece Melissa Clifton.
He was born in Perryville, Missouri and grew up as the 9th child out of 10 on the family farm. He graduated from Perryville High School in 1979 in Perryville, Missouri. Afterwards, he continued to proudly pursue his life as a self-employed 3rd generation farmer. Robert and his oldest brother, James K. Clifton farmed together for the majority of his years – operating as Clifton Bros. Farm. Years later, his son Myles Clifton joined the farming operation. In 2024 Robert and his wife, Michelle completed the program & paperwork through the University of Missouri Extension, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources & Missouri Farm Bureau to become a Missouri Century Farm – Established in 1918. Robert referred to “Mother Nature” as his boss during his day to day operations. He ran his farm with undying faith, grit, and determination. Hard work was all he knew from sun-up to sun-down. When he wasn’t in the fields or feeding cattle you could always find him working in his shop maintaining his farm equipment or polishing up one of his old John Deere tractors.
Robert served as a Bois Brule Levee District Commissioner in Perry County. He was a proud member of the following organizations: NATPA (National Antique Tractor Pullers Association), NWTF (National Wildlife Turkey Federation), and the Perry County Beards & Spurs. These organizations were a connection to the hobbies & passions he enjoyed during his free time. Robert loved to join other farmers locally and nationwide to pull his John Deere Antique Tractors. This past summer he beamed with pride as he gave pointers along the track side as he surprised everyone by letting his grandson, Jake pull his first tractor! He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed all things hunting and fishing. He had a passion for trout fishing at all the Missouri State Parks where he loved to camp with his entire family. He also loved to turkey and deer hunt and was quite the cook when it came to cooking wild game for family meals and BBQs!
Robert was a man who led his family with complete faith in God. He was formerly a member of St. James Catholic Church in Crosstown, Missouri. He was a 7 1/2 + year Multiple Myeloma Cancer Survivor after a Stem Cell Transplant in 2017. He adored his doctors and nurses at the Cape Cancer Center and SLU Hospital and often showed his appreciation for them by cooking them a rack of ribs every Christmas. Robert was a man who spread joy & laughter to every person he came into contact with. He loved to talk and tell stories to anyone willing to listen. He was a kindhearted man with such a positive outlook on life even when things seemed difficult. He didn’t know a stranger and was willing to help out any way he could. Robert was a man who set the standard for what hard work really meant. He invested the entirety of his life into his family farm. Robert will remain a beacon of light that will continue to shine down on his loving family.
Robert’s family finds comfort in knowing the Lord wrapped him in his loving arms as he entered heaven’s gates healed of all ailments as he reunited with family and friends as he took in the beauty of God’s endless acre fields lined with all his favorite John Deeres.
Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville and will continue from 8:00 am to 9:30 am on Monday, February 3, 2025 at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Monday, February 3, 2025 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville with Rev. Tony Dosen C.M. officiating.
Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family for a charity of their choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.