Clifton Frederick Davis Jr.

After a sudden diagnosis of stage IV esophageal and liver cancer on July 1 2017, Clifton Frederick Davis Jr. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 in Aurora, CO. He was 68 years old. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and granddaughter. Left to honor him and remember his love are his two sons, Clifton Washington and Deitrich Gallion Sr.; four daughters Tasha Jackson, LaShaia Webster-Grayes, Kisha (Dixon) Artis, and Dominique Davis; fourteen grandchildren; two nieces, Cliffetta and Willa Davis; one nephew, Tony Davis; and many other friends and family who loved and cared for him deeply. Clifton will be remembered as a man who was extremely passionate about his music and who had a smile that could light up even the darkest of rooms.Clifton was born on May 11, 1949 in Omaha, NE, to father Clifton Frederick Davis Sr. and mother Mildred Nina (Munroe) Davis (both deceased). He grew up in a hard working, loving family with one younger sister, Virlee Davis (deceased). A 1967 graduate of Technical High School in Omaha he was awarded for four straight years of perfect attendance. After graduating from high school, he attended Northwestern College in Iowa, becoming the first in his family to attend college. While a gifted student, Clifton's true passion was music. After finishing up at Northwestern, he packed his belongings and traveled around the country with some of his closest friends, where they shared their love for music while performing. He was the lead vocalist in groups like the Duvells, Showpushers, Love Private Stock, and Gubment Cheese, eventually earning himself entry into the Omaha Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2007.Relocating to Denver, CO. in 1976, Clifton continued to call this home for 41 years. In 1978, he was hired as a youth counselor at the Denver Children's Home (DCH) where he dedicated his life to positively changing and impacting the lives of thousands of youth. In 2001, the staff and children at DCH presented him with a basketball court in his name as a way to thank and honor him. After serving 36 incredible years there, he retired in 2014. He went on to later earn the Denver Nuggets Humanitarian Award in 2016 for his endless service and commitment to DCH and the community.Clifton truly lived life to the fullest and demonstrated the deep joy that can be found in simple pleasures such as writing music, playing instruments, singing, riding his bike, and playing basketball. After being diagnosed with cancer on July 1, 2017, he continued to display an unbelievable amount of courage and strength and proved to be the truest definition of a fighter. Until his very last days, he nourished everyone around him with his love, music, and laughter.Family, friends, and others whose lives Clifton touched are invited to Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 7909 Mormon Bridge Rd. Omaha, NE. 68152 on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. The viewing will begin at 10 a.m. and the funeral will start at 11 a.m.The family would like to thank everyone for the continued prayers, love, and support during this very difficult time.