Clifton "Clif" Everett Stone Jr.

Clifton “Clif” Stone, Jr. was born January 10th, 1946 to Clifton Stone and Annie Ruth (Combe) Stone in La Jolla, California. He passed away peacefully and surrounded by family July 29th, 2024 in Norman, Oklahoma. Clif was a loving husband to Sandra “Sandy” (Albright) Stone, a loving father and dedicated friend to Clifton “Clif III” and Dana.

Clif grew up in Mission Hills, San Diego, California before moving with his family to Norman when he was fourteen. He graduated from Norman High School in 1964 and enlisted the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. Clif proudly and honorably served as a grenadier with the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines around Marble Mountain and China Beach, Da Nang, Vietnam.

Clif was released from active duty as a decorated sergeant in 1967 and returned to Oklahoma to begin college. Shortly after his return he met the love of his life, Sandra Kay (Albright). After a short courtship the two were wed at the Wesly Foundation in Norman, on September 21, 1968. Together they raised two children and Clif was a dedicated father and an active participant in the lives and activities of those children. The family cherished their annual summer vacations to Taos, New Mexico.

Clif earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Central Oklahoma “Central State” in 1973. Clif began a thirty-three-year career with the Federal Government in 1974. He worked in the purchasing office of Tinker Air Force Base as a contracting specialist until 1990 when he took a transfer promotion as a procurement analyst (GM-13) with the Federal Aviation Administration. Clif was named a branch manager within two years of joining the FAA and retired as a division manager (GM-15) in 2001.

Always one to seek knowledge and self-improvement, Clif spent much of his retirement in the study and appreciation of the masters of indigenous art of the American Southwest. He went on to build a successful business with his daughter centered around their shared love, appreciation, and desire to preserve historic Southwestern jewelry. Clif fostered relationships with other collectors the world over. His deep knowledge of the subject and willingness to share information freely will be missed.

Clif also spent much of his working and retirement years with his platoon buddies from Vietnam. Clif worked tirelessly, and without the benefit of the internet to locate and reunite with those whom he closely served. The group held periotic reunions dating back to the early 1990s. Together, the platoon was able to locate every member and reunite with all those willing to reconnect. This was a source of great healing for the group and an inspiration to those who were lucky enough to witness their reunions, connection, and love for one another.

Clif is survived by his wife, Sandy Stone of the home; son, Clif Stone III of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Dana Stone and her partner Dan Posten, of Norman; sister Kattie Taylor and her husband Richard, of Norman; many nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws and travel buddies; and beloved dogs George and Peanut of the home. Clif was preceded in death by his parents Clifton and Ruth Stone, his Brother Steven Ray Stone, and his sister Bobbie Ruth Kelly.

A celebration of life for Clif will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Primrose Funeral Service, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071.