CLIFTON, Kenneth Wayne (Ken)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Tuesday, January 20, 2015 Kenneth Clifton, 83, of Prescott, Arizona, born in Washington State, passed away Jan. 15, 2015. Services were private. Arrangements by Hampton Funeral Home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Kenneth Wayne Clifton was born in Tacoma, Washington, to the late William Robert Clifton and Irene Leota (Mayfield) Clifton on Feb. 17, 1931, in the Great Depression era. He died on Jan. 15, 2015, in Prescott, Arizona. He lived as a strong, capable, honorable man with a heart of gold, giving and supportive of his family. He is survived by Gisela E. Clifton, his wife of 41 years; daughter Gail Ebdrup; sons Mark R. Dawson and Dale A. Dawson; sisters Jean McCarley, Carol Ann Lamperd and Lois Grossman; a brother, Dennis Clifton; grandchildren Donovan, Heidi, Michelle and Ryan; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by grandsons Michael Dawson and Nels Ebdrup. Ken started working at a very early age, by his own initiative. He had a strong work ethic throughout his life and even in retirement, always with some "project in the works." Sergeant Clifton honorably served his country in the Korean War as an Army Ranger, training other Rangers as well. He later graduated from the San Diego Police Academy (1953) and served on the police force. Afterward, Ken went into the automotive sales business selling VWs and worked into management and entrepreneurial roles. Ken and Gisela together owned, worked and ran their camper shell business in San Diego. They retired to Chino Valley, Arizona, in 1989, building their home and traveling around the United States, including Alaska and Canada for a few years. The last few years have been spent growing trees and weeds in Chino Valley. Final disposition was held privately and entrusted to the care of the Hampton Funeral Home of Prescott. To offer online condolences, go to www.hamptonfuneralhome.com. Information provided by survivors.