Leland Clifton

Dear Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Papa,

Your time here on earth seemed too short but we are honored that God chose you to be the head of our home and the rock of our family.  You lived an amazing life that started in Collbran, CO on April 29, 1951, when you were born to Rexell Franklin and Mary Luella Clifton.  You attended Plateau Valley School K-12th grade and summed up your final years there as not only the prom king, but also captain of the basketball team and co-caption of the football team.  We were always amazed by the legacy you left behind including the track records that took years to break.  Your love of all things mechanical took you to Western Technical College where you earned your degree as an Automotive Technician.

You lived to serve others which is why you joined the United States Army and while the Vietnam War was well underway you were stationed in Germany with the 2nd Battalion of the 509th Airborne Mechanised Infantry.  You did any job that was asked of you, but your favorite part was jumping out of airplanes and earning your wings in multiple countries.  You were honorably discharged in 1977.  We know you were so grateful to have the opportunity to serve your country and we were so proud that you did.  You continued your service in the American Legion, Post 86, and spent every Memorial Day honoring veterans who had gone on to glory.

In 1975, you met and married the love of your life of 46 years, Vicki Anne Raymond.  God blessed you both with four daughters, Lenore Snoke (Nick), Heather Gray (Jeff), Kimberly Sailors (Chad), and Brittany Collins (Scott).  You supported us all as a self-employed mechanic at ‘Clifton’s Garage and Repair’ for 20+ years while running a small cattle ranch on the side.  You saw an opportunity in the oil and gas industry in 2001 and put your mechanic skills to work as a field operator for Maralex, Inc. until your official retirement in September 2020.

You made time for all of us; you were our biggest fan. You never met a stranger and  you were ALWAYS the life of the party with an endless supply of jokes.  But your greatest legacy was your special relationship with each and every one of us. You loved strategy games, your old school ‘flip’ phone, iced tea, and chocolate satin pie.  You were first to help and give wisdom when it was needed most.  You were always the level head and the eagle amongst the turkeys (us).  You were honest, sincere, funny, witty, welcoming, loving, humble beyond measure, and the epitome of integrity.  Family gatherings will never be the same.

You are survived by us all including the true joys of your life, your grandchildren whose events you wouldn’t miss for the world:  Dominic and Mackenzie Sailors,  Carson and Logan Snoke, Haley Gray, and Ella Collins.  The love you had for your grandchildren is really indescribable.  You had a unique relationship with each and every one of them.  You loved the Lord your Father and were a regular attendee of the Global Missions, Inc Church. Your love of the Lord and fruit of your life will be evident for generations to come.  On October 2, 2021 you were honorably discharged by your Heavenly Father from your service on earth and joined the great cloud of witnesses who encircle us like clouds until it is our time to join you.

“I have fought a good fight.  I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”  - 2 Timothy 4:7

With all our love,

Your biggest fans