Raymond was born on March 4, 1929, in Grinnell, Iowa to Arthur and Louise Hafkey Clifton. He was raised in Grinnell and attended Grinnell schools. From 1951 to 1957 he served with the United States Army in the Korean Conflict. He was a self employed trucker for over 50 years and contracted with the DeKalb Seed Corn Company and Sully Transport Company. On December 17, 1982, he was married to Pearl Stepp Norris in Newton. The couple enjoyed traveling together and attending auto races as well as truck and auto shows. Survivors include his children, Ray Clifton of Akron, Ohio, Dr. David L. Clifton of Edgewater, Colorado and Penny L. Clarkson of Tyler, Texas; two step daughters, Sherry Osland of Colfax and Marilyn Holmes of Newton; two grandsons; one step grandson; and one step great grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife and his parents. A procession to the cemetery will leave the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday. The family will receive relatives and friends for lunch at the First Baptist Church in Grinnell following the graveside service.