Joseph Clifton Bunner

Joseph Clifton Bunner, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend peacefully passed from this life to eternal life on the evening of February 26, 2025. A man of profound love, warm kindness, and a calling to serve others, his passing will weigh heavily in the hearts of the countless people whose lives he touched.

Born July 5th, 1943 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Cliff was the youngest son to his parents James Roy Bunner and Nell Marguerite Schwem. After moving to Corpus Christi in 1949 and then to Houston in 1957, Cliff was a lifelong Houstonian whose personal and professional relationships were broad and forever lasting. Cliff graduated from Bellaire Senior High School in 1962 and later studied Communications and Public Relations at the University of Houston. After a long career in heavy equipment sales, Cliff retired in 2004 as the Vice President of Marine and Energy at E.L. Lester and Company. Cliff was a deeply faithful man and longtime member of St. Albert of Trapani Catholic Church. For many years each Fall, he hosted an annual coat and sweater drive which was later named in honor of his late wife Franceane.

It was in high school where he met the love of his life, Franceane Houlihan, to whom he was married for 40 years until her passing in 2003. Cliff and Franceane had two children, Lisa Kay Bunner and Joseph Clifton Bunner Jr. of whom he was extraordinarily proud. Cliff’s love for his family and support of his children and grandchildren was unyielding. He was an unwavering source of love, guidance, stale “dad jokes”, ill-advised stunts, and stories that made you appreciate how special this life can be. He seemed to always find the good in every situation.

He was a pillar in his recovery community and was always willing to share his experience, strength, and hope with others. He was a shining example of unity, service, and recovery. His guidance lives on, each day, in the lives of countless lifelong friends and fellow travelers. He embodied the principles of living one day at a time, trusting God, and helping others.

Cliff was a man of many talents, not the least of which were his accomplishments as jazz drummer. He played numerous gigs all over Houston and his jazz combo was one of his great delights. He was a true craftsman as a wood worker and if you’re wondering if he made “that”, chances are he did. He was a helper and volunteered at every place he went that needed someone to pitch in. He gave the gift of his time, generously, to so many.

He was preceded in death by his wife Franceane, daughter Lisa, parents James Roy Bunner and Nell Marguerite Schwem and brother Roy. He is survived by his son Joe and wife Missy, their daughters Madison Maris and her husband Neil Maris, and their daughter Miller Maris of Austin and Mackenzie Bunner of New Orleans; Sister-in-law Eileen Spisak; Sister-in-law Elenor Bunner, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers and staff at The Reserve at Lake Austin who lovingly cared for Cliff throughout his time there. Thank you for being our friends. And to Damara Thomas, his private caregiver and partner in crime - he loved you like a daughter, and we couldn’t have done this without you.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Cliff’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice. Or go volunteer your time at a place you love and tell ‘em that’s from Cliff.