Nov 15, 1928 – Jun 27, 2017

Joel C. Clifton passed away June 27, 2017.

He was born on November 15, 1928 in Brownsville Texas and grew up in Claremont California. He graduated from Claremont High School in 1947. He was also a graduate of the University of Redlands.

He was employed by General Telephone Co. 1951-1987 except for a one year leave of absence to work on a US Government Grant to promote a Company sponsored Tuition Aid project for their employees. He was the elected union treasurer for Local 1158 – Communications Workers of America for 14 years.

His interests included family camping, water skiing and golf. He and his wife (Joyce) loved to travel visiting most all US states, 67 foreign counties and all 7 continents. Playing bridge, dancing and snow skiing were high on the list of things he liked to do.

As an active member of the 1st United Methodist Church of Upland, he served on the Board of Trustee, Pre-School Board and First United Methodist Church Foundation for a total of over 17 years and received the Man of the Year award in 2015.

His family was very important to him. He is survived by his beloved wife Joyce of 67 years and two sons, Steve & Neil and their two wives, Margaret & Kim and his sister, Jackie Wilson. He has 5 grandchildren (Jason, Nate, Logan, Megan & Doug), a great-granddaughter, Sadie plus many nieces, nephews & cousins.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Gwen; his parents, Clyde & Ruth; and brother, Dan.

He was a very loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, always had a positive outlook throughout his life and a great sense of humor. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions on behalf of Joel may be sent to the First United Methodist Foundation of Upland.

Services will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00 am at the 1st United Methodist Church of Upland, 262 N. Euclid Avenue, Upland, CA 91786.

Published in Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on July 6, 2017

Oak Park Cemetery - Claremont, California

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/246105982/joel-c-clifton