With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the family and friends of Clifton Joseph Colston III announce his peaceful passing on June 26, 2025, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. A beloved son, brother, father, friend, and neighbor, Clifton leaves behind a legacy defined by compassion, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to the people he loved.
Born and raised in Lake Charles, Clifton was a proud Louisianan with a love for family, faith, and community. From a young age, his warm demeanor, friendly smile, and generous spirit endeared him to all who met him. Clifton had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and seen—a quality that remained constant throughout his life.
Clifton was a man of many talents and interests. Whether he was lending a hand to a neighbor in need, mentoring youth in the community, or cooking a legendary family gumbo, he put his heart into everything he did. He carried himself with quiet dignity and took pride in his work, his friendships, and his role as a pillar of support to many.
A deeply spiritual man, Clifton lived his life guided by faith and humility. He was a member of his local church for many years, where he was not only a familiar face in the pews but also someone others turned to in times of hardship. He believed in the power of kindness, forgiveness, and community, and these beliefs shaped the way he lived.
To those who knew him best, Clifton was the rock of his family. He was a loving father, a devoted son, and a loyal friend. He approached parenthood with patience and unconditional love, always striving to set an example of honesty, resilience, and integrity. He offered wisdom not through grand speeches, but through consistent acts of care and attentiveness.
Clifton’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his cherished family members, including his children, siblings, extended family, and countless friends who were touched by his warmth. Each of them carries forward the lessons he imparted, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely.
Though words cannot capture the full measure of Clifton’s impact, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched. His memory will be honored in quiet acts of kindness, heartfelt laughter over shared memories, and the enduring love of a community forever changed by his presence.
A celebration of Clifton’s life will be held in Lake Charles, where friends and family will gather to pay tribute to a man whose heart was as big as the bayou skies. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to a local youth mentorship program or community outreach organization—causes Clifton cared deeply about.
May his soul rest in peace, and may we continue to be inspired by the grace with which he lived. Clifton Joseph Colston III – a man of faith, a friend to all, and a beacon of love.
