JOHN ALLEN CLIFFORD

John Allen Clifford, age 52, died while clearing storm debris at Columbia City High School on Thursday afternoon, July 10, 2008 in Columbia City. Born in Fort Wayne, IN on April 3, 1956, he was the son of Paul Edward and Hildreth (Zinn) Clifford. A lifetime resident of Columbia City (Union Township), IN, he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School with the Class of 1974. On April 28, 1979, he married Carla E. Hawn in Columbia City, IN. Owner of John's Auto Correction for 32 years, he worked with outside grounds maintenance at Whitley County Consolidated Schools since October, 2007. For many years, he served as an honorary member and fire chief of the Union Township Volunteer Fire Department. For the past 15 years in his spare time, he enjoyed dirt track racing with New Breed Racing. Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Carla Clifford of Columbia City; son, Jacob A. Clifford of Columbia City; sisters, Debra (Anthony) Zickgraf of Columbia City, Rita (Dennis) Wolfe of Larwill, IN; mother-in-law, Betty Hawn of Columbia City; sister-in-law, Debora Sheets of Columbia City; brother-in-law, Ronald Hawn of Fort Wayne, IN; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death, were his parents and father-in-law, Carl E. Hawn.Visitation is 2-8 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2008 at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Park Drive, Columbia City. Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Boyle of Coesse United Methodist Church officiating. Memorials may be given in Mr. Clifford's memory to the Clifford family for donations to the school athletic departments of Columbia City High School and Garrett High School. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.comClick here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.