Clifton L. Rhodehamel Jr.'s Obituary
Clifton “Clif” Rhodehamel, Jr., 82, of Elyria, Ohio, passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Keystone Pointe in LaGrange, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.
He was born April 6, 1944, in Elyria, Ohio, to the late Clifton Sr. and Doris (nee Helmling) Rhodehamel. Clif was a graduate of Elyria High School and attended Lorain County Community College.
Clif proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Cannoneer and Track Mechanic while stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. During his time there, he twice drove the Alaska (Alcan) Highway from Haines Junction, Alaska, to Dawson Creek, British Columbia.
For more than 30 years, Clif owned and operated CJ Marine in Vermilion, where he repaired boats. He was also a highly skilled Master Auto Machinist. Throughout his career, he worked at Allison Tank Plant, Bendix, Ohio Edison, Collins Auto Parts, and Lakocy’s Machine Shop.
Clif will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, kind heart, gentle nature, warm smile, and willingness to help others. He deeply loved spending time with his family, children and animals. He enjoyed classic cars — especially his beloved 1961 Corvette — and was an avid reader who could repair just about anything. He also loved target shooting with his two sons, a pastime that created many cherished memories together.
Clif was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family above all else.
Clif is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Camille “Cam” (nee Kader) Rhodehamel; children, Clifton “Lee” Rhodehamel III, Joan Moyer (Mike), and Michael Rhodehamel (Michele); grandchildren, Rebecca Rhodehamel, Tyler Moyer, Blake Rhodehamel, and Emerson Rhodehamel; sister, Karen Roberts of Port St. John, Florida and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dicken, Dovin & Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria. A funeral service will be Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 10:30 am at the funeral home with Reverend Charles T. Diedrick officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria where Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will present military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Church, Elyria, Ohio.
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