Clifton was born on June 1, 1931 in Cuero, Texas to William and Leona Bitterly Lau. He graduated from Cuero High School in 1947, and then attended Baldwin Business College in Yoakum, Texas. Clifton married Jo Ann Winter on June 20, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum. To this union was born five children.
He worked at Petro Chemical for 38 years. After retiring from Petro Chemical, Clifton was an agent for Catholic Life Insurance for 20+ years. He also served as President of the Catholic Life Insurance Branch #51. He sang in Our Lady of Lourdes Church choir for 35 years. He taught CCD at St. Joseph’s High School. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and chaired the church festivals for Our Lady of Lourdes several times. In addition to his dedication to church and family, Clifton’s passion was being a rancher and raising cattle. He served as a leader for the Cub Scouts - Boy Scouts of America and the 4-H Organization. He enjoyed playing dominos, barbequing for family get-togethers, Polka Dancing at Dacosta Hall and of course the occasional Lone Star beer.
Clifton is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jo Ann Lau; sons, Robert Lau of Richmond, Texas and Stephen Lau of Houston, Texas; daughters, Karen Lewis (Vonnie) and Phyliss Rigamonti, all of Victoria; and brother, Ralph Lau; 11 grandchildren: Stacey, Scott, Shana, Allison, Meagan, Kristy, Brittany, Courtney, Jennifer, Natalie, and Michael; and 12 great grandchildren: Justine, Gena, Jada, Zoey, Haley, Alyssa, Nora, Briley, Bryton, Connor, Camden, and Braden. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Leona Bitterly Lau; infant son, Mark John; great-granddaughter, Haley Robinson; son-in-law, Charles Rigamonti; brother, John Lau; and sisters, Edna Mae Berger, Dorothy Striedel, and Marie Lau; and a great grandchild.
A visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 105 N. William St., Victoria, Texas on Monday, July 2, 2018 beginning at 6:00 pm followed by the Rosary at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 10:00 am, with Bishop David E. Fellhauer presiding. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church hall following the services. Pallbearers are grandsons, Scott Lewis and Michael Lau; great grandson, Braden Speer; Brian Mace, Josh Cheney, and Drew Wappler.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Clifton’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Clifton’s name to be made to donor’s choice.
Share memories and condolences with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com
