Steven Duane Clifton

Steve graduated from San Jose State University, and while there started the campus Ecology Club, whose work helped ignite the very first Earth Day in 1970. Then, life carried him North to Trinity Center, where he became a father to his son Kevin and daughter Kelly. He served as a teaching principal before returning to Fresno to raise his young family. It was back in Fresno where he met the love of his life while teaching at Kirk Elementary School, Connie Clifton. He then attended Fresno State to earn his master’s degree in education administration, and served as a Vice Principal, only to realize that his heart belonged in the classroom. Until he retired, he spent his time as an English teacher at various high schools in Fresno.

Steve and Connie filled their home with music, laughter, and love. Steve was a huge fan of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, Cream and The Beach Boys. He was a proud father, and a devoted “Grampy” to his grandchildren Holly and Landon Osterman. Towards the end of his life, Steve would look forward to visiting Lodi, where his daughter Kelly, son-in-law Jeff and his grandchildren lived, cherishing every moment with them and coming home beaming and sharing stories about their various adventures.

Steve was a passionate and dedicated golfer. He spent countless hours perfecting his swing and began teaching the game to his son Kevin at the tender age of five. One of his favorite memories on the golf course is when he let Kevin drive the golf cart at seven years old, only to get run over by that very same cart because Kevin didn’t know how breaks worked. He would go golfing every Thursday, rain or shine, with his best friend David Roberts, and before beginning the round both of them would look at each other and exclaim “We’re golfing!” Steve’s favorite course was Spyglass in Carmel, and he looked forward to an annual trip with his friend David and his son Kevin.

Off the links, Steve loved to go on adventures to the casino with his sister Dahlia Massey, enjoy steak dinners with his nephew Robert Massey, and watch sports with his son Kevin and his wife Vanessa at their house.

Steve is survived by his son Kevin Clifton; daughter Kelly Osterman; grandchildren Landon and Holly Osterman; sister Dahlia Massey; sister Alonda Clifton; nephews Robert and Brad Massey; nieces Robyn Massey and Shelley Gully, and generations of students who still hear his voice every time they pick up a book.

A funeral will be held for Steve Clifton at 10:00AM on Thursday, November 20th, 2025, at the Clovis Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life for invited family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Steve’s honor.

Steve is dearly missed by his son Kevin Clifton, his daughter Kelly Osterman, and all of those who knew and loved him.

We love you, Dad.