Lewis J. Clifton was born September 25, 1929 in Gadsden, Alabama to the late Winvon Tierce and Lethia Ann (Smith) Clifton.  Lewis was one of 8 children.

In 1940 the family moved from Alabama to Gary, Indiana because jobs were available in the steel mills.  While living in Gary, Lewis graduated from high school in 1945.  In 1946 he joined the navy and served until 1951.  He was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base and on the East Coast.  During his time in the Navy, Lewis attended a watchnight New Year's Eve Service where he received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  This changed the direction of his life.

Shortly after his salvation, Lewis recognized a call into full time ministry.  While still serving in the Navy, he attended Great Lakes Bible Institute and Zion Bible Institute in order to prepare for that call.  He began attending Gary Gospel Tabernacle.  There he was a part of a large group of young people who were all pursuing a call to ministry.  They would have significant impact on each other's lives and on the Kingdom of God.

In 1949 Lewis had the second most significant meeting of his life.  At a large youth rally in Gary, he met another attendee, Lois Johnson.  Lois was a student at Central Bible Institute but was from the area and attended a local congregation when home.  From that time on, Lewis and Lois were inseparable.  They were married on October 20, 1951.

The young couple accepted their first pastorate at Whiting, Indiana.  There they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Sheryl Ann.  Soon their second child, a son, David Lee, joined the family.  The family spent several years moving to different pastorates across Indiana including West Terre Haute, Clay City, and Washington.

In 1969 the Clifton family moved to Elkhart, Indiana and Lewis became the pastor of Elkhart Calvary Assembly of God.  The growing congregation was the focus of his life for the next 26 years.  Many were saved and called into the ministry under his leadership.  He remained the pastor of Elkhart Calvary until his retirement in the fall of 1994.

After retiring, Lewis and Lois spent time between Elkhart and Ft. Myers, Florida.  They moved to a local retirement community in Elkhart where Pastor Clifton led a congregation of retirees for 15 years.  This was his second longest tenure as a pastor.  He continued to lead a Bible study and hymn sings right up until his homegoing.  In the last few years of his life, he spent several hours a day praying for his family and for many people he had ministered to in his congregations over the years.

Lewis found joy in many things in life.  He loved God's Word and teaching it to others.  He traveled to Israel several times and also led a few trips.  He was a lifelong student of the land of the Holy Land.  He loved music, both listening to it and singing.  He had a special fondness for whistling.  His friendly, love of people made him well known throughout the community during his days of ministry.  His greeting of, 'Hey Sis!  How are you?' was heard by many over the years.  Local restaurant owners and staff would often recognize his familiar face as he enjoyed eating out.  He was a diehard Chicago Cubs baseball fan attending many games in person and was thrilled to see them win the series.  He rooted on the Chicago Bears.  He was generous and gave to God's Kingdom without reservation.  He found peace along the Florida shore.  His family was fiercely loved by him.  He delighted in buying gifts for his bride of over 50 years and when she went to be with Jesus in 2011 a part of him went too.

There was no greater joy in his life than to see his children walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4)

Reverend Clifton is survived by a daughter Sheryl (Paul) Carlson of Elkhart, a son David (Susan) Clifton of Elkhart.  5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of the Reverend's life will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church, 1010 E. Mishawaka Road, Elkhart at 1:00 pm, with visitation beginning there at 10 am. The Reverends Scott Miller and Jeff Carlson will officiate and a private family burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial donations may be given to the church.

"He loved people well."