Mr. Rodney D. Clifton

Rodney Dewitt Clifton, 75, of Minden, Texas, passed away at Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas, on September 18, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Rodney was born in Rusk County on September 8, 1948, the son of Talmadge Dewitt and Billie Louise (Brooks) Clifton. He graduated from Henderson High School in 1967 and continued to Texas A&M. Postponing his studies, Rodney joined the United States Marine Corps to serve his country from 1969 to 1972. While stationed there, Rodney married Brenda Jean Copeland on December 4, 1970, in Koolaupoko, Honolulu, Hawaii; they were married for 52 years. The couple eventually settled in Minden, Texas, where he grew up, and raised their family there. Rodney worked as an operations systems technician for Eastman in Longview, Texas, for 41 years. He enjoyed gardening and reading. Rodney also actively served his church as a deacon at Minden Baptist Church since 1988. Additionally, he served as the sexton for the Zion Hill Cemetery for many years. Rodney is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughter, Missy Cannon, and husband, Justin of Brachfield; son, David Clifton, and wife, Janet of Minden; grandchildren, Reese Cannon, Peyton, Olivia, and Abigail Clifton; Uncle Preston Clifton, and wife, Lea of Pensacola, Florida, Aunt Evelyn Clifton of Ennis, Texas; brothers-in-law, Don Copeland, and wife, Becky of Kilgore, Robbie Copeland, and wife, Pam of Glenwood, Arkansas; nephews, Brandon Copeland of Kilgore, Sam Copeland and wife, Myra of Kilgore, Clay Copeland and wife, Callie of Seattle, Washington; nieces, Vanessa Copeland of Houma, Louisiana and Shannon Davidson, and husband, J.D., of Henderson; stepbrothers, David Griffith, and wife, Terri of Gilmer, Donnie Griffith, and wife, Deana of Henderson, Randy Griffith, and wife, Cheryle of Laneville, and a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews and friends. Rodney is preceded in death by his father, mother, and step-father David Griffith; father-in-law George Copeland and mother-in-law, Jean (Fagg) Copeland; brother-in-law Lewis Copeland; grandparents, Jake Dewitt Clifton, Mittice (Matlock) Clifton, Charlie Brooks and Mae Elizabeth (Sparkman) Brooks; uncles, Charlie “Junior” Brooks, Pete Brooks, and Jake Clifton; and aunts, Erbal (Brooks) Edwards, Juanita (Clifton) Matlock, and Vera (Clifton) Sanders. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 21, at Crawford A. Crim Funeral Home Lobby. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 22, at Crawford A. Crim Chapel. Dr. Matthew G. Pitts of Minden Baptist Church will be officiating. Burial will follow the funeral at Zion Hill Cemetery. Lunch will follow the burial at Minden Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Crawford A. Crim Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Michael Cates, Brandon Copeland, Sam Copeland, Chance Griffith, Clint Partin and Trapper Kessinger. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rodney Barbee, Justin Cannon, Danny Gage, Tony Moore, and Johnny Morris. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Minden Baptist Church, Zion Hill Cemetery, or The American Stroke Association. The family of Rodney Clifton wishes to thank his medical care team at Trinity Mother Frances, Matt Pitts, Josh Woolridge, and his church family at Minden Baptist Church. Service for Mr. Clifton will be live streamed. Words of comfort may be shared at www.crawfordacrim.com

Mr. Rodney D. Clifton

September 8, 1948 - September 18, 2023