MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
"A New World" by James Horner
From the movie soundtrack "Jumanji"

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
"Preparations for Battle" by James Horner
From the movie soundtrack "Glory"

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawi-wo’ole.

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
"True Blue" (Live) by Dolly Parton
From the Album "Heartsongs" (Live from home)

I think that this song encapsulates Grandpa’s love for my Momma, Nana, and everyone of us.

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

It is the Hawaiian version of the song. This song reminds me of Grandpa because I recall when Mom (Sherri) sent Nanie & Grandpa on their 50th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii.  I had so much fun shopping for Grandpa’s Hawaiian shirts and Nanie’s Hawaiian dresses for their trip too.  Grandpa didn’t make it out to California much, so knowing my mother and I could shop for them was such a special memory for me.  I love all of the photos and stories shared from their anniversary trip.  Grandpa looked so handsome and happy in his Hawaiian shirts I had selected too.  I always think of them when I hear this song or think of Hawaii.  I also chose this song because whenever I’d come out to El Paso and visit for Christmas, I’d watch all the Christmas movies and musicals but Grandpa and I would watch The Wizard of Oz all the time, even at Christmas time :) 

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
"Again" by cousin Melissa Sobey 

I chose this song because it absolutely reminds me of missing Grandpa and making the moments we had last for eternity.  In my grief with Grandpa’s passing, this song came on my shuffle the morning after I couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about him, and I relate to this song in every way of missing him tremendously and always.  My cousin Melissa Sobey sang this song and I have always loved her voice.  It is so sincere, beautiful, and completely applicable to the emotions of missing a loved one, and in this moment in time, it is our Grandpa.

Love your granddaughter, Heather

I always remembered my Grandpa being a happy and loving person. He always had jokes and smiles to share. I moved away from El Paso at a young age, so I didn’t really get to know my Grandpa as an adult. But I cherish my last visit, and great conversation that I had with him a year before he passed. 

He was not regretful of anything. He lived his life exactly the way he wanted to. He said he didn’t worry or stress about what to do, he just did what he wanted. He just followed life with his gut and true to his nature and interests. But also, he was a great husband to my Grandma, and a great father to all my aunts and uncles. He was truly an inspiration of what a good man is. 

I will always cherish having that last conversation, being able to get to know him as an adult. He truly inspired me to follow your instincts, be a good man, and live life the way you want. Don’t worry, don’t stress, just do! I love you Grandpa. 

Your grandson, Paul 

First and foremost, Beatriz and I thank all the Clune family for all your kind words. It has  been an honor and joy to care for Matt during his time with us and in his final days.

About a dozen or so years ago, I began attending the Sunday evening mass at St. Raphael and always sat at the very back of the church.  In time, you get to know the same people who also sit at the very back with greetings and talk.  After some years, Matt began attending the evening mass on Sundays and also sitting in the back. The exception was when there was an important game to watch.  Matt would talk to everyone and would usually be one of the first at church.  Corine, whom he met at the Senior Citizen Center, also would be in the back.  So this became a regular Sunday evening get together with friendly greetings and conversations on all topics in our lives.  Always with friendly kidding of each other.  Whenever Matt did not attend, I would tell those who asked, that he was at the church of the NFL.

One day Matt asked me for a card on our home care business.  Some years went by without discussing it anymore.  In 2019, Matt was not attending mass and everyone began asking if anybody knew anything. No one did.

To our surprise, I believe his son, Mark, began calling Beatriz about Matt coming to stay with us.  This was in October of 2019.  Matt and Beatriz hit it off right away and of course he and I knew each other from church.  So it was like old times with talks and kidding.  Matt was fully alert and just needed help to get around.

I then told him that at church, everyone was asking about him and he said, “No, I don't  want them to know or see me like this”. I responded, “But Matt, you have got to tell them”. He responded, “No, no I don't want you or anyone to tell them”.  Every week, everyone was asking if I had heard anything.  It got to the point that Corine bought a card for all of us to sign or express well wishes.  I also signed it. Anyway, the card was delivered to Matt’s house and eventually to our house. This was all quite funny, but he insisted I cannot tell anyone. 

Matt became part of our family and we would have long conversations about the navy or golf or football.  We discussed his passion about model airplanes of which I also had a big interest when I was young.  Matt was able to get to know all our family and always had an interest in what they were doing.

One day, Matt said I have a picture to show you.  It was when he was in the navy and also showed him as a boxer as a member of the US Navy boxing team.  He told me all about the fights, including fights with the inmates from Alcatraz.

From that point on, I would greet him most mornings with my exalting him as the undefeated champion of the world and US Navy.  He would grin and wave his hand in denial, but I could see that he loved it. So I kept doing it time and time again. 

Matt’s neighbor Ann, in the next room to his room, for some reason, thought that Matt was always talking about her and that he was taking things from her room when she was not there.  We told her that it was his TV she was hearing and he could not get around.  She just had it out for him. Of course, I would tease him about inviting her over, or to visit her, and smoke the peace pipe with her.  He said, “No, I don't want anything to do with her”. 

I never pressed him about what kind of job he had during his life. He was private about it.  One day, I took him to a doctor appointment.  The front desk girl asked him his SS security number. He said, “I won't say it, but I'll write it on a piece of paper”.  Matt wrote it and gave it to the girl.  A few minutes later he asked for the paper back. This told me that he probably worked for the government, maybe the FBI.

Throughout his time with us, Matt was always cordial, engaging, funny and with a sense of living a full life - a caring life, an exemplary and principled life with all the good in someone. I feel that Matt went to the kingdom of God having lived an undefeated life and as a champion of the world-life.

May you rest in peace, CHAMP.


MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
"You'll Be in My Heart" by Phil Collins

I chose this song because even though my grandfather isn't here in the present, he'll always and forever be here in spirit and in memory.

As his youngest granddaughter, I've always admired his stories he'd tell us about him being in the Navy and at least one story of him and Grandma. What I find super gnarly about Grandpa is that he did a lot of boxing. I have such a cool grandpa I thought! When mom told me that was what he did and loved, I decided to keep that tradition up and because of him I have a punching bag in my room that I use almost every day.

When I heard the news that my grandpa passed away, I don't think I've ever felt more heartbroken before. He has inspired me to be a good person, always be kind, and never be afraid to stand up for your faith and be the strongest believer in the room.

I have and will always love you Grandpa. I'm honored to be your granddaughter and even though you're not here, "you'll be in my heart."

Love your granddaughter, Sarah💝 

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
"Come Touch Me Lord"
Written and performed by Mark Clune
Exception:  This song will be heard at the Memorial Service only by a special recording.

This is one of the most beautiful spiritual songs I have ever heard written and performed.  It brings me to tears for it is genuinely loving, moving, and reassuring that the Lord will come to you when he hears your call and touch you sweetly with his precious love, his comfort, his protection.  I have followed this song for years in memory and have not heard it sung in over 40 years; a real treasure hidden from everyone to know it’s beautiful messaging from my brother’s own heart, his own voice, his own words.  I will cry again when I hear it once more.  

I dedicate this song to our father, who from his son, Mark, is helping us to cross that bridge in letting you rest in peace our dear father in the Lord’s arms, in your loving care.  

I was able to ask my brother recently what this song meant to him and what inspired him to write it.  Here’s what he wrote:

“I wrote this song many years ago I believe to heighten my awareness that the Lord’s touch, presence, and comfort is all around me, especially when I need it most. I feel his embrace when I embrace others. I feel his peace when I comfort and am comforted by others. I feel his love when I give love and am loved by others. His presence and touch is felt in all the beauty of nature if I learn to recognize it, to stop and feel it. Even in the love and companionship of my pets, the Lord’s hands are upon me. In the stillness of prayer, he envelopes me and lifts me up.”

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION:
"Forever Young" (Slow Version) 
From the album "Planet Waves"
Written and performed by Bob Dylan
Originally dedicated to his son

This particular song is a treasured memory that I shared with my father as a birthday gift album that I gave to him during my teenage years.  At one time, he let me know this album became his favorite.  We enjoyed it very much. 

The slow version, sung by Bob Dylan, is so amazingly beautiful and moving.  It will pull at your heartstrings.  We would sit together and listen to it and let the words linger in the air and hear the tempo rising, listening to Bob Dylan singing like it was from his entire heart.  Since my father played the guitar and harmonica, he really enjoyed hearing Bob Dylan play both instruments during this song.  It’s breathless and captivating.  It’s so sincere in what one would wish for a loved one in their life.  It’s the way this song deserves to be sung. 

You can listen very closely to each word and description of what I believe my father would be sharing with each one of us today. There are so many inspiring messages in this song for you and it’s now a gift from him.

With love on his behalf,
His daughter, Sherri

When I reflect on Dad's passing into eternal life, I feel an odd mixture of sadness and joy. 

Sad that he is no longer physically present to benefit from his wisdom, enjoy his humor, feel his steady strength, hear his loving and kind words plus acts of support, love, and encouragement; see his happiness with simple things like a birthday card, a chocolate milkshake, chocolates, Mexican food, stuffed animals, paintings, southwestern decor and jewelry, model airplanes, nutcrackers, newspaper comic strips, photography, flower arrangements, garden and home decor, and his last addition of a beautiful Indian headdress he so proudly asked for to display on the wall in his room next to a treasured painting of an Indian Chief. Share in his love of the seasons especially fall and winter. He loved the Christmas season and all the special family gatherings and shared adventures.

The joy I feel is he is happily reunited with his bride, our dear mother, and our sweet sister, Dottie, plus his parents and all our loved ones. What a joyous reunion! To know, upon his death he stood before our Lord and our God whom Dad was devoted to, and faithfully worshipped in private prayer and in attending Mass, until he could no longer do so. I remember the lifelong impact of kneeling by my father in Mass as a child and witnessing the humility of this strong man touching his hand over his heart three times to acknowledge his Lord and his God and ask for his mercy and forgiveness. 

Lastly, his tenderheartedness for children and animals. Dad worked hard to take care of and provide for his wife and five children. His grandchildren were always thought of and he loved each and every one and took pleasure in hearing the progress in their lives. We grew up with animals in our home. He loved his Quaker Parakeet, Pepe, the cats, and especially the last five dogs he cared for. I always smiled when thinking when we all five moved out we were replaced by five dog-kids!

He loved to joke, laugh, and tease, but he was also down to earth, practical and a man of wisdom. He enjoyed observing people. He told me nothing people do in life surprised him as he had seen and observed so much in his ninety years. He told me he had no regrets and had lived a full and happy life with many adventures.

"Well done, good and faithful servant;....enter into the joy of your master."
Matthew 25:21

Thank you, Dad, for everything! You and Mom are forever in my heart, thoughts, and prayers, every day until we are reunited at the end of my earthly life. I have so much to look forward to.

Love always from your daughter,
Laura❤🙏💐

Dear Daddy.  Yes, I still call you my dear Daddy.  Over the years the words seem to always come out that way so often.  A loving sentiment from my heart knowing that you always felt close and precious to me.  So many years to be grateful for and that I will have as keepsakes to think of you and to remember.  How do you write a whole lifetime of love and appreciation for someone?  I am writing for you and there can never be enough written.

After growing up and moving away from El Paso, I would come back and stay awhile.  You always had a special envelope waiting for me in the living room buffet drawer with a handwritten title, “Comic Clippings from Newspaper for Sherri” with your favorite cut outs of comic strips.  We would sit down and go through each one and share rounds of laughter.  Sometimes you’d write even funnier captions on the cartoons, embellish them and insert my name (hahaha!) Some of the funniest humor came from “Hagar the Horrible” which often poked fun at married couples and family life; and there was Marmaduke which captured your joy of animals (a dog comic strip) with such a dry sense of humor always outwitting his human caregivers.  It was great fun and wonderful times.  I never took it for granted that you were doing that each day, looking in the comic strip section for us to have some future fun and mischief together again.  I love these memories and I still have your comics Daddy.

Your humor was a constant joy and solace to me.  I hear myself repeat things or say things that sound so familiar and it leads to a story about you.  Even catching myself saying to your grandchildren, “That’s what your Grandpa would have said” or “It sounds just like him.”  I think that is true for many of us who have been blessed to be your family and/or your friend.  I will keep that side of your sunny side of life with me Daddy.  As many describe it as being “infectious.”

You were down to earth and led this family by your loving and prudent examples.  Showing us that there is room and a welcome place in your heart for everyone.  It really matters.  You stayed with us another 13 years after mother passed away.  We all treasure that extra precious time.  You were there caring for us in our hard and challenging times as well as cheering us on, like Mother letting us know she would be “rooting for us.”  Two constant beautiful north stars in the open sky.  Thank you for this comfort and enduring love.

I will miss you every day for the rest of my life.  But you are leaving me with footprints.  There is a poem called Afterglow which will be a part of your memorial service which says, “I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done” … this is so very true.  I will continue to grow your love and to keep your message.

So now it’s my turn again Daddy to step back and say to you that I will see you again but not from an airport curbside.  I recall in memory the time you said to me “I’m sure going to miss you Sherri” and I lovingly kissed your cheek with tears in my eyes and said I’ll be right back Daddy”.  It’s my turn to now look forward, to look ahead to that day that you and I keep that promise again.

I love you so very, very much❤️
Your daughter, Sherri

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION: 
"Love Will Keep Us Alive" by the Eagles 

Often, we would invite you to watch concerts of artists and bands that you enjoyed with us. Artists like Andrea Bocelli and Tina Turner. Knowing that you liked the Eagles, one evening we watched the concert “Hell Freezes Over”. Mark and I will never forget just how much you enjoyed it. We were tickled to see you so enthralled by the music. You loved their sound, songs and the harmonies. You had your favorites like Take It Easy and Hotel California to name a few. For the longest time, you kept reminding us how much you liked it. I chose Love Will Keep Us Alive because I can picture you singing it to Mom. You adored her so very much, and you would have done anything for her. 
__________

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION: 
"The Secret O’ Life" by James Taylor

In so many ways I admired your perspective on life. You had sort of an even keel to your personality. Weathering all of life’s many twists and turns, ups and downs, opportunities and challenges with pragmatic optimism. You chose to enjoy life rather than to be burdened by it. You did your best to not let things overwhelm you. You were steady and true. You embraced life with love, compassion and humor. You treated time like a companion walking along beside you. and you encouraged others to join you. 

You gave my family a home when we didn't have one. That is a tough thing to do, to add four people to your home when you treasure your space, time, and sanity. Those years were some of my favorite memories from growing up. All the time I spent with you and Nana are my favorite memories. 

When I was in my early 20's, you and I had a 1-on-1 conversation, which happened quite a bit as I got older. But this one, in particular, will always stand out to me, because you got very serious, a rare moment, and told me, "I'm very proud of you." Those words meant so much to me - and still do. You always had the best sense of humor, but when you said something like that, it had so much gravity. Thank you for that. 

I always loved our phone calls after I moved to California. You always started by saying you didn't have anything much to say, but we'd stay on the phone for quite a while, usually talking baseball and how everyone was doing. And of course, the inevitable, "Tell everyone in California I'm fine and I don't need them to call me." I can't help but chuckle... 

I'm so lucky you were my grandpa. The love you shared with my family and I has had a huge impact on all of us. My Mom loved you to pieces - she would do anything for you because she knew you'd do anything for her. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for the special moments, and the times you'd tell me stories about your life. I'm grateful for all of it.

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION: 
"Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac

My Dad picked this song for my Mom and Dad’s 55th wedding anniversary video because it expressed so well the deep love that he had for his wife, Elean. He loved this song and asked me to play it many times for him. The first two lines in the lyrics immediately grab me in this time of grieving his loss and gives me comfort.

For you, there'll be no more crying
For you, the sun will be shining

For you, Dad, no more crying, pain, or sorrow. For you, Dad, the sun will always be shining. For you, Dad, you are back with your life-love, Elean, and you love her like never before.
__________

MEMORIAL SONG DEDICATION: 
Darlin’ Say You’ll Love Me When I’m Old (Irish folk song) performed by Foster and Allen

This was probably my Dad’s favorite song. The lyrics had special meaning for him in relation to the love he had for his late wife and he also loved the music as performed by this Irish folk group. 

After he introduced the song to Aida and I, we bought him the CD. My brother, Matthew, shared with us that he would often play the song while sitting at the kitchen table.

Those Were Good Days

I remember the times when we all took day trips to Cloudcroft and Ruidoso at Christmas time. We’d wear our Santa hats and go to virtually every shop up and down the strips. You and Mom would scrutinize turquoise jewelry that caught your eyes. Not to mention looking for that “perfect nutcracker” to add to your collection. 
 
One trip, you were grinning ear to ear, carrying your stuffed bear Marmaduke throughout the shops, talking to every person asking you about it. Each time we’d end our day with dinner at our favorite restaurant, Circle J. BBQ. Those were good times.
 
There were the times we’d do marathon runs at the all the antique shops on the west side of town. You’d go through them so fast, we had a hard time keeping up. Every once in a while, something got your attention. We‘d stop and together take time to decide whether or not to buy it. Those were good days.
 
You and I would go to Whataburger after doctor appointments. You would always asked for a “double, double chocolate shake”. We’d sit, talk and laugh, enjoying each other’s company. Those were good days. 
 
You’d come over to our house on Sundays to watch Football with us. You and Mark would incessantly tease and joke with each other about the Cowboys, the Patriots or Tom Brady. You’d say that you liked “The Cheaters” because they always won. Your laughter was infectious. Those were fun times.
 
Together, we’d talk to your doctors so that I could be your back-up in questions you would have. One time, your doctor asked if I was your daughter-in-law? You thoughtfully replied “She’s my daughter”. That meant the world to me. Yes, that was a precious moment.
 
There were countless times, days and moments with you. Wonderful, happy and precious moments. Days where we learned something more about you. Another piece of the puzzle of your life, who you were and how you felt. 
 
You carried your spirit, charm and sense of humor everywhere you went. You left an indelible mark on all of us that will be forever on our hearts. You touched every soul you encountered throughout your life. You’ve made us better for it.
 
Every day spent with you, Dad, was a Good Day.
 
I will always love you,
Aida

Matthew Patrick Clune, Jr. was not only my Father, he was much more, he was my Dad and my friend.

As a Father, he worked very hard for many years to provide for his wife and five children. Thank you, Dad. What a huge accomplishment. I don’t take it for granted. You made it possible for me and my siblings to live, grow, learn, and start our own adult life in a happy and nurturing environment.

As a Father, he protected me and kept our family safe. Thank you, Dad. In our home and even in your career, you worked to keep us and the community safe. You volunteered to serve in the military during war time and as my brother Matthew has pointed out, you were willing to risk your life for the protection of our country.

As a Dad, he shared his great sense of humor with me and we enjoyed many good laughs and so many good playful debates. Thank you, Dad. When we would engage in our playful verbal sparring sessions, your favorite response to me was, “NOoooooo”. We agreed that “NOoooooo” was your favorite word! We had a great time! 

As a Dad, he shared his love of sports with me, especially in watching NFL Football games together. Thank you, Dad. Rarely would we ever root for the same team in a game, especially when the New England Patriots, your favorite team, was playing. I had as much fun with you, rooting against them, as I did rooting for my own favorite team. When I would playfully challenge you that the Patriots were cheating, your favorite humorous response was, “cheaters always win”!

As a Dad, he was an enthusiastic participant in our family Christmas season trips to Ruidoso and Cloudcroft. He shared his infectious joy of the season with us and was the first one to put on his Santa hat. Thank you, Dad. You were not afraid to express and share your joy with us.

As a friend, you listened, you shared, you advised, and you offered words of comfort. Most of all, you gave your love. Thank you, Dad. I love you and I miss you…until we meet again.

Uncle Matt. Now with Aunt Elean and the other siblings and peers. A man of few words,  but the ones he did speak were worth listening to. He was steady, loved his children. My earliest memories contain Uncle Matt, tall, handsome in his BP uniform. Sending love to my cousins. I know they know he’s with Elean. ❤️ And soon we’ll all be together again. Go in peace, Uncle Matt. Tell the others hello and see you soon. 

OBITUARY

Matthew Patrick Clune, Jr.

28 December, 1931 – 20 August, 2022

Hillcrest Funeral Home

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