Clifford Ashley St. John, 99, of Allegan, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2020, peacefully at home.
Born March 11, 1921, in Allegan, he was the son of the late Ivan and Bessie (Beery) St. John and was the husband of the late Virginia Carolyn (Janke) St. John.
Clifford was a veteran of World War II. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy as an electrician’s mate aboard the USS Waterman. His ship was anchored in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the surrender agreement by the Japanese which marked the end of the war.
Clifford returned to Allegan following his time in the service and eventually found himself working for Rockwell International. He retired after 35 years of dedicated employment.
Clifford was an avid bowler; he had bowled on senior leagues for over 30 years. He and his late wife had also enjoyed square dancing together for many years, especially when they danced on stage at the Allegan County Fair.
The couple were also longtime members of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Allegan. In his spare time, Clifford could be found in his beautiful flower gardens where he especially enjoyed tending to the roses and irises. He was fond of collecting stamps and coins and had been an amateur radio operator; his call sign was W8CAS.
Above all else, however, Clifford loved being surrounded by his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him joy beyond measure.
Clifford is survived by his children, Karen St. John (Dr. Carl Passal), Richard (Peggy) St. John and Sandra (Randy) Walker; grandchildren, Renee Passal (Aaron Nelson), David (Jessica) Passal, Jennifer (Justin) Bodine and Daniel Walker; great-grandchildren, Spencer, Elora, Weston, Elizabeth, Ammon, Elliot, Iroh and Parker; and his special friend, Millie Whitcomb.
In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Louise, Lawrence, Gertrude, Kenneth and Donald St. John and Agnes Carlson.
Due to recent regulations, Clifford will be laid to rest privately at Hudson Corners Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1764 34th St., Allegan, MI 49010; or Wings of Hope Hospice; 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010. Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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