Tracy Clifton

Tracy Clifton, 59, of Derby, Kansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 14, 2026. He died peacefully at home, from complications of treatment for pancreatic cancer. Tracy was born in Lewisburg, Tennessee on May 23, 1966, the son of Nathan Clark Clifton and Joyce Baxter Clifton.

Tracy graduated from Marshall County High School in Lewisburg, TN, Class of 1984. He went straight to work alongside his buddy, Kevin Blalock, at Blalock Plumbing, Electric, and HVAC. There, Tracy became a “Jack of All trades.” After a few Tennessean winters, climbing around under houses, he decided he needed to make a change. Tracy went to work for his cousin’s business in Melbourne, FL. Still not satisfied and seeking more in life, Tracy joined the United States Air Force in 1989. After completion of Basic Military Training, Tracy graduated from USAF Air Traffic Control School and moved on to his first duty station: Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, where he met some of his life-long friends, who became family. Most importantly, he met the love of his life and wife of 33 years, Dawn (Powers) Clifton. After having their first two sons and spending too much time away from family, Tracy selflessly left the Air Force to allow his wife to continue her dream of Air Force retirement. Tracy hung up his hat, after serving our great nation for 14 years, 10 months, and 27 days. He continued his government service as a GS Air Traffic Control Instructor for the Department of the Air Force. Tracy went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business.

Tracy did not want anything to overshadow his greatest accomplishment and title, “Dad.” He truly was the best Dad that any child could ask for. He was immensely proud of his three sons and two daughters-in-law and his love for them, unmeasurable. In July of 2022 Tracy was blessed with the title, “Pop-Pop” and he was in awe of his granddaughter, Melanie Blair “Beep”Clifton. Although Tracy was fighting for his life, he made certain that he stayed the course until his grandson, Trace David Clifton, made his way into the world, just 5 days before his passing. Prior to his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer in May 2024, Tracy enjoyed traveling by RV with family and friends. He found peace in the woods, mountains, and National Parks. Tracy hiked, mountain biked, and overlanded his Jeep on any open trail he could find. He also enjoyed “chasing sunsets” with his wife.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Tracy was preceded in death by his brother, Steve Clifton; Father and Mother-in-law, Raymond F Powers, Jr and Marilyn J. Powers; brother-in-law Patrick Powers; and brother-in-law Michael Powers. Tracy is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; sons Blake Ashton (Marisa) Clifton of Aurora, CO, Raymond Nathan “Brock” (Kaitlin) Clifton of Mulvane, KS, and Cade Reagan Clifton of Derby, KS; grandchildren, Melanie Blair Clifton and Trace David Clifton; siblings, Sandra Clifton Bowden of Lewisburg, TN, Tim Clifton of Saltillo, TN, and Leanne Clifton Jelonek of Spring Hill, TN; brothers-in-law, Chris Powers of St Pete, FL and Tim (Marla) Powers of Homestead, Fl; sisters-in-law, Beth Powers Laney of Tampa, FL, and Joni Powers (Dan) Huff of Jacksonville, FL.; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

Tracy’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Tracy’s care team. From the Robert J Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, KS: Oncologist, Dr. Seth Page, APRN Paul Nank, all the awesome nurses and staff in the Oncology and Infusion Center, ER staff, and Pharm-D, Dr. Karina Trac. From Wichita Surgical Specialists, Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Ali Ahmad. Finally, his loving care team from Providence Hospice.

Visitation/viewing for Tracy Clifton will be held from 5-7 pm on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N Rock Rd, Derby, KS. A funeral service will be held at Smith Family Mortuary on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Tracy will be cremated and cemetery placement will occur at his family’s’ cemetery in Dellrose, Tennessee however, date is to be determined. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately after the funeral location TBD and will be announced at the funeral service.