Clifton Morris

Clifton “Cliff” Jackson Morris, 90, of Haskell, Texas, passed away on September 12, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife, daughters and granddaughters.

Cliff was born on April 18, 1936, in Eula, Texas, to Amos and Ella Morris. The second oldest of 12 children, he was raised in Trent, Texas, where hard work and responsibility became part of his character at an early age. When Cliff was seven and his oldest sister, Lena, was nine, they were entrusted with tending sheep on the ranch their father operated while Amos accepted work through the Works Progress Administration to help the family make ends meet.

Cliff’s lifelong curiosity and willingness to learn were evident from the beginning. By age 14, he had learned to operate a dozer. At 19, he joined the United States Navy, proudly serving as a Seabee while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. It was there that he met the love of his life, Kazuko at a skating rink. They were married on August 16, 1959 at a Baptist church in Yokosuka and returned to Trent in 1960, beginning a marriage and life together that would span 67 years.

A gifted mechanic and lifelong learner, Cliff’s many interests and accomplishments included earning his pilot’s license. After working for Medford Buick, he opened Cliff’s Garage in Haskell in 1965. For more than four decades, Cliff served generations of customers and friends before retiring in 2011. His garage was more than a place of business; it was part of the Haskell community and reflected the work ethic, knowledge and willingness to help others for which Cliff was known. During the 1980s and 1990s, Cliff and Dr. Joe could often be found sipping coffee and solving the world’s problems. Customers and passersby might even be treated to an impromptu performance on Cliff’s banjo.

Cliff not only loved to learn; he loved to teach and share what he knew. He was a teacher, a fixer and a remarkably creative problem-solver who could find a way to repair almost anything. His children and grandchildren learned from him that, with a little ingenuity, some baling wire and perhaps a bit of duct tape or Gorilla Glue would do the trick.

Cliff loved people, and people loved Cliff. He was rarely without a smile, a joke or, in later years, a perfectly random Facebook post. He spent many mornings drinking coffee at the Double A, cutting up with his group of ornery friends before work. He loved to fish, especially when he could share the day with his longtime friend, Bud Turnbow. He and Kay enjoyed many years traveling with their Windjammer group of RV friends. Cliff was also one of the founders of the Haskell County Jubilee, where he found sheer joy in playing nearly any instrument he could find—many of which arrived courtesy of eBay.

Service was central to Cliff’s life. He served as the veterans’ affairs liaison for Haskell County for 15 years. He faithfully served his church by driving the church van to bring others to worship and Sunday School, and he participated in mission trips to Mexico.

As much as Cliff accomplished, his greatest blessings called him Pawpaw. He loved children, and they were naturally drawn to him. He coached Little League and Pony League baseball for many years, including taking a girls’ baseball team all the way to the state tournament. When he became “Pawpaw”, he could often be found down on the floor playing with his grandbabies when they were toddlers. As they grew, he colored pages with them, played cards and rarely missed one of their activities. He showed his love by being present—again and again, year after year.

Cliff is survived by his beloved wife, Kazuko “Kay” Morris of Haskell; daughters Debra Bartley and husband Michael of Haskell and Tina Lamb and husband Billy of Haskell; grandchildren Brittany Williams and husband Chris of Haskell, Chambray Bartley and wife Amber of Stamford, and Cannon Edwards of Abilene; great-grandchildren Creed Williams, Clyne Williams and Calvaree Williams, all of Haskell, and Coven Jones of Stamford; bonus grandchildren Cassie Aaron and husband Cody of Nugent and Hegan Lamb and wife Robin of Mineral Wells; bonus great-grandchildren Shadixx Agraz and Hendrixx Agraz of Stamford; his brother, Gary Lynn Morris; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and treasured friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Tommy Morris; his parents, Amos and Ella Morris; and ten siblings: Lena Jackson, Rosie Nell Chase, Annie Mae Brenem, Joyce Doan, Larry Morris, David Morris, Stanley Morris, Doris Jean Holte, Brenda Boyd and Alice “Bugsy” Chacon. He was also preceded in death by many dear friends, including Bud and Wanda Turnbow, beside whom he will be laid to rest at Willow Cemetery.

To know Cliff was to experience his lighthearted way of moving through life. He leaves a legacy of hard work, faithful service, laughter and devotion to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Above all, he leaves the story of his enduring love for Kay. To his family, he was truly the best husband, Daddy and Pawpaw.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home in Haskell. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Haskell, followed by burial at Willow Cemetery.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.