Clifton Eugene Seifert (1932 - 2010)

Born 31 Mar 1932 in Texas, USA

Biography

Clifton Eugene Seifert was born in his home on String Prairie outside of Lexington, Texas on March 31, 1932 to Anton Emil Seifert and Emma Amanda (Marburger) Seifert. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Frances (Matthews) Seifert of Austin, children: Jack Seifert (Cinny Burrel) of Seattle, Dave Seifert (Kareena) and grandchildren Monique Seifert and Jordan Seifert of Pickets Valley, Australia, Shari Seifert (Melissa Brooks) and grandchildren James Seifert and Zachary Seifert of Minneapolis; brother Leonard Seifert (Nina) of Lexington, sister Shirley (Seifert) Jackson (Rex Jackson) of Bryan and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Clif was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Seifert and sister-in-law Robbie Seifert of San Antonio.

Clifton loved growing up on the farm and attending Lexington schools. He graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1949. Clif attended Southwest Texas State Teachers College where he earned a bachelors degree in agricultural education. Later he earned Masters degrees in general science and administrative education from Texas A&M.

Clifton married Frances Matthews on July 15th 1954 in Aransas Pass, Texas. Immediately after his wedding he served in the Air Force in Cheyenne, WY and in Nagoya, Japan. He remained in the Air Force reserves for many years. After his service in Japan, Clif worked at IGC in Rockdale and also served as union president. He began his many years of service to the Lexington schools in 1966 as a science teacher and elementary principal, including the time of racial integration. Clif then served as teacher and principal in Florence, TX, vocational education teacher in Hearne, TX and in Houston, TX. He had high expectations for his students and challenged them to accept leadership positions. In addition to teaching, Clifton also kept cattle on the family farm outside of Lexington.

The family moved to Rockdale, TX in 1976. After retirement in 1991 Clif and Frances moved to Lake Travis and then Austin, Texas. Clif remained curious and a life-long learner. He was passionate about justice, genealogy, history – especially of the German Methodist cemetery in Lexington – and making beer. Clif was patriotic and deeply religious. He attended Lutheran churches through out his life. Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in the mountains of Washington State, was dear to him. He was frequently part of the volunteer staff, beginning in 1982.

Clif was an avid traveler. He visited Australia 18 times and made many trips to Minneapolis and Seattle to visit his children and grandchildren. He traveled to Massenbachhausen, Germany to discover and visit cousins there. Clif also traveled to Greece, Egypt, Spain, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand and Turkey. Clif passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Austin after dealing with cancer for 5 years on December 6th, 2010. His family and friends dearly miss him.

There was a memorial service for Clif at his church in Austin on December 11, 2010. A memorial service in Lexington is being planned for March 26, 2010 when son Dave will be able to attend. Details about this service will follow.

Sources

• Obituary [1]