Obituary for Clifford Allen Lumbert

Clifford Allen Lumbert, age 82, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at The Ridge Memory Care in Lansing, Michigan. Cliff was born on April 13, 1943, in Jackson, Michigan to Francis and Lila (Weir) Lumbert. He was preceded in death by both his parents, stepmother, Wilma Lumbert, stepfather, Wayne Lumbert; and siblings – Francis (Sonny), Jim, Wayne, Gladah, Jean, and Cindy; in-laws Bernard Mercier, Allen Thelen, Ellen Lumbert, Merlene Lumbert, and Dennis Russell. Siblings still surviving Jerry Lumbert, Martha Lumbert, Wendy (Lin) Mater, Bob (Dawn) Lumbert, Larry (Sandy) Lumbert and Rolande Mercier and several nieces and nephews.

Cliff is survived by his longtime companion, Lady Friend, Karen Rommel, his three daughters, Valerie “Barbara” (Joe Pline) Hodges, Natalie (Scott) Spitzley, Caroline (Rick) Van Houten; and bonus daughter, Kris (Del) Jenkins along with grandchildren Corey Hodges, Shane Hodges, Victoria (Zach) Smith, Jill (Tim)Fischer, Zach (Faith Russman) Spitzley, Bailey (Michaela Pope) Van Houten, Rachel Van Houten;. His legacy will continue on with great-grandsons, Abel & Deacon Smith, Tripp Fischer and great-granddaughter, Stella Fischer.

Cliff (known as Kip) graduated from Portland High school in 1961. He was very proud of his football career which helped his high school football team land in the Lansing Sports Hall of Fame for their record of two years undefeated and unscored upon by opposing teams. Cliff enlisted in the United States Army in 1962 where he was stationed in France as Military Police. He returned from France 2 ½years later with a wife, Michelle (Mercier) Lumbert (preceded in death) and a new daughter. Once settled in Portland, they added two more daughters. Eventually their marriage ended and took them on different paths, however they always shared a mutual respect for one another’s choices throughout their lives.

Cliff spent 30 years at General Motors in Lansing. He hired in on the line and worked up to Supervisory before retiring. After retirement he spent time driving truck for local farmers and ended up hiring in at The American Red Cross where he would meet Karen. He was a member of the Dewitt Moose Club, the Portland VFW and the American Legion.

Cliff was a lifelong athlete. Playing football in high school, playing racquetball, softball, and bowling well into his retirement and long after. He spent the bulk of his retirement attending his grandchildren’s various sporting events. He loved dancing and generally had to brace himself for whichever daughter reached him first at an event with music! He enjoyed camping, fishing, going to the casino, tinkering in his garage and going to the races. He loved people and never met a stranger. He viewed himself as “the luckiest man alive” and if your paths were to cross he would leave you with the parting words “Glad you got a chance to see me.”

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 4, 2025 at the Lehman Funeral Homes, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland. Interment will follow at East Sebewa Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the V.F.W. Post #4090.