Martin Luther Clifford Jr

Martin Luther Clifford, Jr. passed from this earthly life and was welcomed in the arms of Jesus on July 17, 2022.  A Celebration of life with military ceremony graveside services for Marty aka M.L. will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 2:00 PM in Oakwood Cemetery in Cisco, Texas with Kimbrough Funeral home assisting.  
He lived a long, beautiful, and happy life, beloved by many by his wit, humor, and love for people. An incredible human being who loved bringing joy to those around him, started each day with a level of unmatched optimism and energy, and a man who had dearly loved his family and his passions.  He was born on June 20, 1932 in Midland, Texas to Martin Luther Clifford, Sr. and Georgia Haley Clifford.  
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters and wife. He is survived by his children, son, Martin L. Clifford, III and spouse, Debra of Clyde (daughter’s); Darla Ferguson and husband, Douglas of New Braunfels; Patria Fryhover and her husband Don, of New Braunfels; Mary Clifford of New Braunfels.  His grandchildren, Trena Holder; Chelsa Wilkinson and Husband, Jason; Ryan Crouch and wife, Elizabeth; Judson Clark and his wife, Brittnay; Jes Clifford; Kade Fryhover; Kim Williams; Kristi and Katie Fryhover.  Great Grandchildren: Trey, Dakota, and Trista Holder; Alli, Ashton, Aden, and Aisli Wilkinson; & Granger Williams. Numerous nieces and nephews.  
He married Eddie Faye Brecheen on November 2, 1955, in Midland, Texas.  They had three children; Marty Clifford, III, Darla, and Patria.  He loved watching his children play sports and enjoyed playing music with the family.  He was an avid and proud Clyde High School sports fan, attending many events throughout the years, his last one being a football game last Fall in Clyde.  
He grew up in Moran, Texas and graduated from Moran High School in 1950, with several honors; Best All-Around Boy, Most Athletic, and Most Handsome.  He became a member of the International Detective Training school in 1952, at the age of 20. And he then joined the Army and proudly served his country in the Korean War in 1953-1955 as a Military Policeman and was inactive reserves for six years. After the Army, he attended and graduated from Ranger Junior College with a Degree in Accounting.   
He worked in the lab at El Paso Natural Gas in Jal, New Mexico, then spent most of his working years as an Oilfield Salesman.  Working all over Texas he achieved numerous awards, his proudest being named the top Salesman in the Abilene and surrounding areas.  He eventually retired in 1995.
While he had a tremendous work ethic, his passion was driven from entertaining and sharing his love of music.  He made his first record at the age of 12 playing guitar and singing, Wedding Bells.  He signed a twenty-five year contract with Startime Records at the age of 23 producing a couple of records.  He was later able to produce a record on the Belle label and two records for Faye Label.  He worked on many jingles and had several radio shows in Big Lake and Merkel.  He performed at many venues and played with many local musicians through the years, but was a regular at the Pizza House in Clyde, Tye, Scranton, Moran, Old Glory, Hawley, Merkel, Lawn, Oplin Cottonwood, Anson Opry, and Truby musicals.  He had two bands; “Marty Clifford & Permian Playboys”, and “Marty Clifford & The Clyde Playboys”.  He was a member of the Singer Song Writer’s Association having written numerous original tunes.  But the highlight of his musical career was being inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame in Gatesville, Texas July 18, 2014.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Hospice in New Braunfels, and Memorials can be made in his name to your local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW).

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