Dec. 29, 1955 — April 2, 2015

Clifford “Cliff” Charles Stephenson, 59, of Dowagiac, died Thursday, April 2, 2015, at his sister’s home in Jones, Michigan.

A private family graveside burial will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan where he will be laid to rest with full military honors with his fellow soldiers. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Clark Chapel & Cremation Services of Dowagiac is serving the family. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Cliff online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Cliff was born Dec. 29, 1955, in Niles, to Herby and Delores (Knauff) Stephenson. He attended Niles High School and graduated in 1974. After high school Cliff enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served his country for five years. After serving in the Marines Cliff worked in home construction as a dry wall installer and carpenter and also worked for many years in the RV industry at Monico RV in Elkhart, Indiana. He loved to fish and hunt and was especially fond of mushroom hunting. Cliff was an outdoor person and enjoyed camping as well. He loved Notre Dame sports and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Cliff is survived by seven siblings; Debra (Gary) Triola of Denver, Colorado, Merrilyn (David) Bannow of Jones, Chris (Jessie) Hodges, Jr. of Three Rivers, Clancy (Brenda) Stephenson of Three Rivers, Art (Holly) Stephenson of Three Rivers, Chuck Stephenson of Battle Creek and Michael Stephenson of Elkhart, Indiana. He is also survived by his step-mother, Marilyn Falk of Three Rivers as well as many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and very special friends, the Phillips family. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents.