Clifton Edward Yorkman (Age 90) of Clinton, Maryland.

Clifton E. Yorkman, affectionately known as Pete, was born September 1, 1929, in Baltimore, Maryland. Pete was educated in the segregated Baltimore City Public School system. He left high school early to join the military. After joining the Navy in 1946 as a Steward's Mate, he found himself coming of age in the South Pacific in places like Guam, Saipan and Okinawa Japan during three of this country's most turbulent military campaigns - World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The Jim Crow Navy was difficult for any man of color, to say the least. Career choices were typically limited to the non-technical field. After four years of faithful service, Pete elected to continue his service to our country as a United States Marine. As a Marine, Pete continued his education, obtaining his GED and a variety of college credits. Still only able to work in Food Service, he rose to the rank of Gunnery Sargent. Pete's competence and strong work ethic afforded him choice duty stations such as the U.S. Naval Academy and the Marine Barracks in Washington D.C. In 1957, one duty station in particular, Quantico Marine Base, afforded him the opportunity to meet the woman that he would eventually marry, Esther Rosalie Ferrell.

After a brief courtship, Esther and Pete married on Quantico Marine Base in 1957. In 1960, they had their first and only son, whom they affectionately called "Chip". While Pete executed his daily duties, Esther was a stay at home mom throughout Chip's early primary school years.

The mid to late 1960's was a period of transition for Pete and Esther. Pete was in the twilight of his military career and Esther was beginning a successful career with the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).

After retiring from the military, Pete worked briefly as a maximum security corrections officer at Lorton Reformatory. Just a few months later, he was hired as a Capitol Hill policeman. While working with the Capitol Hill police, he attended the Modern School of Music where he studied Music Theory. During this period, the family was enhanced with the welcomed addition of Marion and Keith. Pete and Esther provided the same love and affection to their nephews, just as they did for Chip. Pete, even through his illness in his later years, wanted to ensure the "boys" had eaten dinner. Pete remained with the Capitol Hill police until he retired in 1988, after over 20 years of service. He finally completed his working career with the U.S. Marshall Service in the late 1990's. Esther retired in 1995 to help care for the grandchildren. In full retirement, Pete enjoyed singing in the church's choirs, fishing, cooking for church events, watching boxing with Mr. Stevenson, and vacationing with the Dysons and Cherrys, in addition to watching their grandchildren grow up.

On the morning of March 4 ^th , shortly after eating breakfast, Pete prepared for bed. While kneeling in prayer, he was called home to be with the Lord. He is preceded in death by this brother George (Dorothy), Dorothy, Paul (Greta), and Mark (Bodine). He leaves behind to mourn his wife, Esther; son, Chip; brother, Charles; grandchildren, Phillip and Candace and a host of other relatives and friends.

His Viewing will be, 10:00 am, until time of Service, 11:00 am, Saturday, March 14, 2020, Grace United Methodist Church, 11700 Old Fort Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744.  Interment, Arlington National Cemetery, time TBD.