Robert (Bob) K. Clifton, 63 of Perryville, passed away on Jan. 28, 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 in Perryville, to the late James W. & Norma L. (Fritsche) Clifton on Feb. 10, 1961.
Robert is survived and missed by his loving wife of almost 41 years, Michelle A. (Amschler) Clifton; 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, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond and his world revolved around.
Robert is survived by nine siblings — four brothers and five sisters: Patricia (Edward) Hager, James (Patricia) Clifton, Carolyn (Larry) Pecaut, Michael (Cindy) Clifton, Diana Kennedy, Richard (Donell) Clifton, Steve (MaryAnn) Clifton, Linda (Dennis) Mattingly, and Jeanine (Danny) Kennon, along with 12 nephews and nine nieces.
Robert was preceded in death by his loving parents, James W. & Norma L. (Fritsche) Clifton; loving father in-law, Zeno E. Amschler; brother in-law, Thomas Kennedy; and niece, Melissa Clifton.
Robert grew up as the ninth child out of 10 on the family farm. He graduated from Perryville High School in 1979. He proudly pursued his life as a self-employed third generation farmer. Robert farmed with his oldest brother, James Clifton, and son, Myles Clifton, operating as Clifton Bros. Farm. In 2024, the farm was recognized as a Missouri Century Farm, established in 1918. Robert referred to “Mother Nature” as his boss during his daily operations. He ran his farm with undenying faith, grit, and determination. When he wasn’t in the fields or feeding cattle, you could always find him working in his shop on 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, NWTF, and Perry County Beards and Spurs. Robert loved to pull his John Deere Antique Tractors. This past summer he beamed with pride as he let his grandson, Jake, pull his first tractor! Robert was an avid outdoorsman and had a passion for trout fishing and loved to camp. He also loved to turkey and deer hunt and was quite the cook when it came to cooking wild game!
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. He was a 7 1/2 + year multiple myeloma cancer survivor after a stem cell transplant in 2017. Robert was a man who spread joy and laughter to every person he came into contact with. He loved to talk and tell stories to anyone willing to listen. Robert 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. 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.
