Donald M. Clifford

Born October 11, 1932 in Valparaiso, Indiana to David and Rose (Kotefka) Clifford. Don served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1972. He received his Speech and Journalism degree in 1966 from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

A love for aviation, he attended basic navigation training (1953-54) at Harlingen Air Force Base and earned his wings as a 2nd Lieutenant at James Connelly AFB, Waco, TX April 1954. He retired from the USAF in 1972 as Director of Information, 9th Air Force, Shaw AFB, South Carolina.

With a passion for journalism and history he served previously as Executive Director for the Brownsville Historical Society. He was a freelance writer for “Horizon” (a weekly feature publication), Brownsville. While editor for the Cameron County Historical Commission Newsletter, the publication received the 1995 Cotton Award by the Texas Historical Commission for best county historical newsletter within the state. He was a past president of the RGV Byliners. Don saw the dream of his own historical fiction novel “Ben Solomon in Destiny Diverted” and a children’s book “Zoo Nonsense” along with numerous short stories and articles come to publication.

As a professional and hobbyist jeweler he enjoyed creating and producing many of his own custom designs in precious metals and gems.

Don will be deeply missed by his wife of 42 years Elaine (Lovelace) Clifford, Harlingen, TX; daughter Maureen Clifford, San Antonio, TX; step children Shelley Guerrero, McAllen, TX & Ronald Beakley, Harlingen, TX; eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and a nephew.

Don was preceded in death by his parents David and Rose and two sisters Barbara Greatorex, Tacoma, WA and Helen Roland, Corpus Christi, TX.

Special thanks, Christa Samaniego and Beth Clifford for all the love and moral support over the past years.

A private family memorial will be held in the future.