Harvey L. Clifton; Retired Teacher

Harvey L. Clifton, who taught industrial arts in Lancaster schools for 26 years, has died at his Lancaster home. He was 75.

Clifton died Saturday of cancer, said his son, Curtis Clifton of Lancaster.

Born in Bennington, Okla., Clifton worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps for two years before serving in the Air Force during World War II, where he achieved the rank of staff sergeant. Clifton earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

He taught junior high school in Arcadia, La., before moving to Lancaster in 1955. At Joshua School, he taught seventh- and eighth-grade industrial arts, including wood shop and drafting. In 1971, he transferred to Park View Intermediate School, where he continued teaching industrial arts. After his retirement in 1981, Clifton and his wife, Georgia, sold their house and traveled the United States in a motor home until February, 1991.

In addition his wife of 49 years and his son, Clifton is survived by two brothers, Guy Clifton of Atoka, Okla., and Boyd Clifton of Fort Worth, Tex.; a sister, Pauline Masterson of Fort Worth; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service is planned for 7 p.m. tonight at Halley-Olsen Funeral Chapel, 44802 N. Date Ave. in Lancaster, which is handling the arrangements. Donations can be made in Clifton’s name to the Visiting Nurse Assn. of Los Angeles Inc. hospice program.