Orville Christopher Clift

Word has been received of the death of Orville Christopher Clift, 85 of Tontitown, Arkansas on November 29, 2025. Clift was born on June 24, 1940 at Enid, Oklahoma to Frank Marshall Clift and Geraldine Virginia McKinney Clift. He is survived by his wife, Shannon Mason Clift, daughters Crystal Clift Marschewski of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; Heather Aileen Clift of Lowell, Arkansas and “bonus” daughters Shirley Hancox and Wayne, Midland, AR; Linda Wilkins and Dan, Cave Springs, AR; Sarah Jent and Brad, Bismark, AR; Dena Chambliss and Jesse, Highfill, AR; the late Jennifer Hieghtenen and Troy, Savannah, GA; and Alexis Moore and Brad, Tontitown, AR; grandson, Ostie Hobbs of Euless, TX and numerous other grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph M. Clift, younger brother and Lou Ann Burton, older sister as well as his three nephews, Joe Ennis of Springdale, Larry Ennis of Ada, Oklahoma, and Kevin Ennis of Oklahoma. Clift and his family moved from Duncan, OK to a dairy farm east of Bentonville in 1947. After graduation from Bentonville High School in 1958, he attend what was then Arkansas State Teachers College, transferring to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville in 1961. Clift took leave from academics to perform in two show bands, the Trebles and the Emcees, in addition to the Buddy Knox band from Georgia. After his return to Arkansas, Clift became a police officer at Bentonville and Fayetteville, after having been selected as the Outstanding Student at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in 1965. Clift returned to the U of A, attaining a Political Science degree in 1970 and Juris Doctor degree in 1972. After passing the Arkansas Bar, Clift became a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at the Sebastian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for six years, leaving to enter the private practice of law in Fort Smith in 1980. During the following years, Clift represented six Arkansas cities, including Bentonville, and three Arkansas counties. Clift was an adjunct instructor teaching Criminal Justice at Westark, UALR and UAFS during that time. In 2010, Clift served Madison County as District Judge by appointment of Gov. Mike Beebe, for a two year term ending December 2012. Clift sought salvation in Jesus during his time on the road playing music, purchasing a Bible and cross necklace. Later, he was baptized at University Baptist Church in Fayetteville, along with his daughter, Sarah. Clift’s faith was very important to him in this life as well as his Native American heritage, being a proud member of the Chickasaw tribe. Clift’s greatest pleasures were his family and classmates from the Class of 1958. He’ll be missed by all who knew and loved him, including his little dog, Cooper.

Flowers and memorials may be sent to Callison-Lough or the charity or church of your choice.