Jack L. Clifford

Jack Lawrence Clifford passed away on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at University Hospital Elyria from a massive heart attack.

Jack was a lifelong resident of LaGrange and attended LaGrange High School. He enjoyed being a third generation farmer at the homestead of his great grandparents in LaGrange Township established in the mid 1800s. His grandsons with support of his other grandchildren joined him making it a fourth generation legacy. He also owned and operated Clifford Excavating for many years along with many other ventures.

He was a lifelong member of Sons of Veterans, Am Vets Elyria, VFW Grafton, and FFA.

For many years he enjoyed his camp in Pennsylvania and spending time with his family, friends and Pennsylvania friends. His many interests included stock car racing, snowmobiling and ATV riding. He enjoyed car shows, auctions and vacations (with his wife) in Las Vegas and spending time at the local establishments. He was an avid bowler and hunter in his earlier years along with trapping. Jack could always be found at any one of his grandchildren’s sporting events. The family owned restaurant, Choo Choo’s, was always a favorite stop in the morning to solve the world’s problems.

Jack was a generous benefactor to anyone in need whether you were a family member, a friend or a complete stranger. He was always there to do whatever had to be done for anyone.

Survivors include his wife Shirley (Crayton) of 57 years in January. Children; Barb (Dave) Miller, Gwen Slone (Matthew Takacs), Karen (Greg) Bonk Grandchildren; Gregory (Madeline) Slone, Ginger (Dan) Fitch, VaNessa Wilson (Danny Zaun), Viola Takacs, DeKota Wilson, SaVanna Bonk

Great Grandchildren; Harper and Clifford Fitch, Logan Zaun

Aunt Arlene (Robert) Lowe, Cousin Jeanne McMahan along with MANY, MANY long time friends

His grand animals included his dogs Yogi, Flare, Hank and his cat Squeak including all the other farm animals.

Preceded in death by his parents Elizabeth and Lawrence Clifford, Brother Ron Clifford, Grand Parents Leslie and Alta (Gott) Knowles, In-laws Robert and Rosella Crayton, Brother in-law Roger Crayton.

Friends may call in the Duke Funeral Home 1021 Main St. Grafton on Friday December 4, 2020 from 4-8 PM. Additional visitation will be held in the funeral home on Saturday from 10 AM until services at 11 AM with Pastor Charlie Duke of the Lakeview Freewill Baptist Church officiating. Social distancing and masks are mandated. We ask that you keep your visit short to allow others to safely enter the building during this health pandemic. Burial will be in River Road Cemetery, LaGrange Township.

Special thanks to all his nurses and staff on the cardiac floor of University Hospital Elyria especially Veronica and Becky and to all the doctors for their skill and compassion.

In lieu of flowers you may make donations to The American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association. On-line condolences may be left at www.dukefuneralhome.com

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