Clifton B. Washington, 66, retired veteran, a resident of Muskogee, OK; transitioned Saturday, January 30, 2016 in Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, Muskogee, OK.

On October 13, 1949 in Muskogee, OK; Bennie and Bernice (Lee) Washington were blessed with their very first child, a precious baby boy whom they named, Clifton. He wasn't given his father's name, but they added the middle initial, B, for Bennie.

At a very early age, a he professed a hope for Christ under the leadership of Rev. T.L. Turner, and was baptized at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Muskogee, OK; where he sang in the Baby choir. As years passed he moved up to the Youth choir. He participated in various youth auxiliaries of the church such as Starlight Band and Shepherd Boy's League. For years, he worked as the sound technician and also made audio recordings for Greater Shiloh.

Clifton was educated in Muskogee Public Schools at Dunbar Elementary School and Sadler Junior High School. He graduated from Manual Training High School with the class of 1967. Following high school, he and his friend, Robert Parks, Jr. went to Job Corps in Yakima, WA. Upon completion of Job Corps training, Clifton got a job as a Stewart's Mate, a cook on the Miller Freeman, a research sailing ship located in Seattle, Washington. The Miller Freeman sailed the Bering Strait, monitoring the mercury levels in salmon.

Clifton was drafted, and chose to serve in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Altus, OK. Serving in the Air Force allowed him to travel to various countries, Thailand being one of the most memorable. He received an Honorable discharge after 4 years in the U.S. Air Force. Returning home, Clifton worked for a short time as a cook at the Tradewinds Motel, before acquiring a job as a Claims Representative at the Veterans Administration office in downtown Muskogee. While working at the VA he attended classes at Connors State College in Warner, OK; and graduated with an Associate's degree. He retired from the VA office in 2005, with 30 years of service. During retirement and throughout his life, he found joy in the simpler things in life, German chocolate cake, the color blue, watching OKC Thunder and OU games. He delighted in the beautiful flowers and vegetables he produced while gardening. He found pleasure relaxing and listening to the sounds of his vast, impressive music collection. Most of all, he often spoke of how much joy he got just being in the presence of his nephews, Mario Washington, Dewayne Newton, Nicholas Newton, Bennie Washington III, Jeremiah Washington, Denovyous Washington and LeTerrian Harris.

In his 66th season, Clifton went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Muskogee, OK.

Clifton was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Washington, Sr. and Bernice Elnora Lee Washington, his paternal grandparents, Gus (Washington) Williams and Annie Morrow, his maternal grandparents, Rev. Albert Robert Lee and Sarah Channie (Barnett) Lee and his younger brother, Romon James Washington.

He leaves in God's care, two brothers, Bennie Jr., and Rev. Jerry Washington, both of Muskogee, OK; three sisters, Benzola and Glenn Sheppard of Tulsa, OK; Beatrice and Walter Lewis of Tulsa, OK; and Marsha and Floyd Newton of Muskogee, OK; one aunt, Maxine Lee of Houston, TX; and a host of nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

A Home Going service will be conducted Friday, February 5, 2016, 10:30 a.m., Greater Shiloh Baptist Church, 701 Altamont Street, Muskogee, OK; with Rev. Jerry Washington, brother, eulogizing. Interment will follow in Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with military honors performed by Tinker Air Force Base honors team.

Visitation will be Thursday, 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The family has been cared for by House of Winn Funeral Home & Creamations.