Clifford McCleskey Jr.

Clifford McCleskey, Jr., at 83 years of age, was called upon to enter the biggest game he ever played, and he did so gloriously. The 75-year resident of Lynchburg, Texas, (historically the homestead of the provisional President of the Republic of Texas) passed away peacefully and painlessly early on the morning of August 17, 2023. He was smiling and laughing until almost the very end.

It was on a Friday the 13th (October 13, 1939, to be exact) that a 12-pound baby boy entered this world, and the world has never been the same since. His journey started on the western edge of Acadiana, Jefferson Davis Parish, Jennings, Louisiana. Born into an oil patch family, his life in Louisiana was brief as the family moved to Baytown, Texas, in 1940 and then to Lynchburg in 1948. Raised with the smokestacks of Humble Oil in the background, Clifford enjoyed life when the world was much smaller and simpler. Dogs, cats, rabbits, hunting, fishing and music were the entertainment of his day. He was born with a contagious smile and laughter that complimented his genuine interest in people, and his natural charisma, playfulness and shenanigans made it easy for him to quickly win their admiration. He always had room for new friendships, and all of his friends and family received his fierce loyalty and support.

Clifford attended Ashbel Smith Elementary, Lynchburg Elementary, Deer Park Junior High and Deer Park High School where he was frequently selected by his classmates as the most popular, best dancer, most handsome and Class Beau. Perhaps even more impressive were his accomplishments on the track and gridiron. Most likely an unrecorded school record, he once had at least one interception in eight consecutive games. He launched a one step 70 yard punt in another game and delivered many other fabulous performances from the backfield as a running back that could pass with needlepoint accuracy. His extraordinary athleticism helped his team to a 57-game unbeaten streak and state championships in 1954 and 1955 – nearly immortalizing feats in the eyes of Texans.

After high school he joined the Army where his life would dramatically turn. Once boot camp was over, he went to aircraft electrical school where he learned to work on fixed wings and helicopters. He was a marksman in both the carbine and rifle, which most likely resulted from his squirrel hunting expertise. Believe it or not, he also was awarded a good conduct medal. He laughed about that a 1000 times. In 1959, Clifford was sent to Germany by ship to work in the aircraft shop in Mannheim. He was only supposed to stay a year, but the Russians were flexing their arm and the East Germans erected the Berlin Wall. Fearing this was a prelude to war, his one year tour became an indefinite one. He did not return to the United States until August 15, 1962.

Since he was a member of the world famous 1st Infantry Division, The Big Red One, he was stationed at their home base in Fort Riley, Kansas. During this time he met Raquel Garza from Corpus Christi, Texas, and eventually married into her giant family that is much bigger today. He was loved and adored by all of them – even those who could not speak a word of English. Corpus Christi became his “go to” spot every time he had extra money in his pocket. He enjoyed the wade fishing there and his family whom he spoiled to the best of his ability.

The year 1965 was without a doubt the biggest in his life. He married in January, shipped out to Vietnam in September, and became a father while in-country in November. Wooly Bully by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs topped the charts for the year. Sadly, the horrors of that damned Southeast Asian war took a mental toll on him. Neither he, nor anyone else, knew he came home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder when he returned on June 19, 1966 (Father’s Day). The abundance of senseless death in Vietnam was too much to process for such a fun lover of life. Almost immediately after his return, his mental wounds were evident. He was a changed man. At heart he was still the guy everyone remembered, but he eventually experienced strife with almost everyone he knew – especially the ones closest to him. His actions were sometimes horrible, but it was not him. It was his mental illness. He always felt deep sorrow for his actions and did his best to reconcile with whomever he wronged. Unfortunately, he was not able to mend all the fences.

Clifford hated war but always believed in helping others who could not help themselves. To that end, he never stopped being a soldier. He always placed himself between others and danger without hesitation. Even knowing what the war had done to him, he would have volunteered to go again. The only way harm could come to kids, the elderly, handicapped or animals would have been over his dead body. He had a charitable heart and enjoyed serving others.

His life was full and with little regret. Spontaneity ruled his life. If he wanted something, he wanted it right then. He never accepted being told the word no. He enjoyed barbecuing, football games, farm animals, dogs, cats, fishing, cold beer, socializing and making people laugh. If he knew you were in need of support, he was reaching out – even to strangers. This splendid foot soldier provided a great example of how to treat people. As a father, he attended any and all sporting events in all sorts of weather. Backyard practices were the norm. He loudly cheered for everyone on the team (and a few from the other team) and was proud to see them lay it all on the line. He was supportive and stern. Daddy of the Year would have been too small of an accolade to bestow upon him.

As a husband and head of the household he continually sacrificed to provide. A few times he actually “had” to go fishing to put meat on the table. Luckily he could think like a fish and never came home empty handed from a fishing trip.

Clifford worked for 8 years at the Shell Refinery in Deer Park before switching to insurance sales in Baytown for the rest of his career. During this time he also earned an associate’s degree from Lee College in Baytown. He never made a lot of money, but he made a lot of friends who were welcome to all he could offer. Even when in insurance sales, he believed he was helping others. On more than one occasion he turned people away when he realized they already had the insurance they needed. It wasn’t about the money. It was about service to others.

Not grieving him is an impossible task. If it were up to him you would not grieve at all. Celebrate him. Tell stories about him. Raise a beer or cocktail and toast him. Focus on the good memories. Let the others subside. Watch a football game, and pour your heart into it. Name a pet after him. Honor him by being generous and helpful with others. Live your life fully. Be patient when confronted with angry and disrespectful people (especially strangers) in public. Pray for them instead of confronting them. Through such actions and gestures, you are guaranteed to be in his company again, and you can be certain that you will be in the best of all possible places.

Clifford’s body was donated to the University of Texas Medical Branch to help educate our future Physicians. He will be cremated in about a year when his ashes will be retrieved, mixed with those of his beautiful bride, and spread in various places. They will forever be a part of the places that shaped their lives.

Clifford is survived by his son Brian Keith McCleskey, sister-in-law Irma Rodriguez, brothers-in-law Pablo Garza, Rudy Garza and Ricky Garza and too many nieces and nephews to list here. He would have taken a bullet for any of them.

A military memorial service and celebration of life will begin promptly at 4 PM, Saturday, August 26, 2023.

Earthman Funeral Home

3919 Garth Rd.

Baytown, TX 77521

281-422-8181

Clifford thought that flowers were a silly expense. He felt that was just wasted bait, ice, beer, snack and gas money. However, if your heart tells you to send flowers, you can send them to the funeral home. If you really want to make him smile please donate to the following:

BAYTOWN HUMANE SOCIETY

P.O. Box 2772

Baytown, TX 77522-2772

[email protected]

(832) 414-3729

https://www.baytownhumanesociety.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the McCleskey family may be shared at www.earthmanbaytown.com