MISHAWAKA: Clifford Robert Williams, 72, longtime attorney,  Elkhart County Public Defender, and friend to many,  passed away early Saturday morning, December 16, 2017 at the Center for Hospice Care Elkhart, after a courageous  battle with cancer. Clifford was born on September 12, 1945 in South Bend to the late Robert Scott and Sarah Maxine (Addleman) Williams. He married Rebecca Ann "Andi" Sutton in 1987 in New Carlisle. Andi died February 16, 2008. Surviving is his sister Sharon E. Bartos, of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico; many close and dear friends of many years, including, Sue Hobson, her son, and his godson Bradley (Renee Hardy) Hobson of Elkhart; Bill Clark, friend and confidant; his "Goshen Guys" Jeff Majerek, Chris Crawford, Matthew Johnson, Luke Krizek, Peter Soldato and Ryan Mehl; and friend and mentor to, Phil Miller, Peter Todd and Edward Chester, James and Mary Anne Ballard and Clyde and LIz Brown. He also has cousins and extended family in Pennsylvania.

In addition to his parents and wife Andi, his brother-in-law Col. Robert E. Bartos, preceded him in death.

Cliff enlisted in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968, with Special Forces training, until his honorable discharge in 1970. He served as a Green Beret with the 199th. Infantry Brigade, known as the "Redcatchers." Cliff achieved the rank of First Lieutenant with many commendations, including the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, Parachute Badge, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Two Overseas Bars and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Cliff served as a public defender and also as Chief Public Defender, for 37 years for Elkhart County. He was also a member of the Elkhart County Bar Association. Clifford had a soft spot for stray animals, and loved his collection of vintage and muscle cars.

Family, friends and others, whose lives Clifford touched are invited to Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, to reminisce, grieve, support each other , and of course just chat.  Services will be 1:00 PM, Thursday, December 21, 2017 with visitation one hour prior,  also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Adamsville Cemetery in Edwardsburg, where full military honors by the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard and DAV #19. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials in Clifford's name to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, 23971 S. Main St. Elkhart, IN 46516 or St. Joseph County Humane Society, 2506 Grape Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46545. Please visit www.billingsfuneralhome to send a condolence to the family.