About

Early Life

Born to Marvin and Hattie Clift on April 15, 1901, Oliver E. Clift was the youngest of three brothers and grew up on College Street in Waxahachie, Texas. He attended Central Ward and Ferris Ward from first through seventh grade and later completed his secondary education at Waxahachie High School in the historic T.C. Wilemon building. A passionate baseball player, Mr. Clift was a member of the 1920 Waxahachie baseball team that captured the state championship. Following his graduation in 1921, he played baseball at the University of Texas under the esteemed coach D.X. Bible.

Personal Achievements and Family Life

In 1924, Mr. Clift signed a contract to play baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and married his high school sweetheart, Nelle Owen. After spending a year with the Cardinals, he returned to Waxahachie, where he became a cotton buyer at the C.L. Penn Cotton Office, remaining with the company until the mid-1940s. During this period, he served as a member of the Waxahachie ISD school board while his daughters, Gretchen and Dorothy, attended Waxahachie Public Schools.

Service to the District

As a member of the WISD school board, Mr. Clift oversaw the expansion of Central Ward and its subsequent renaming to Marvin Elementary. He advocated for teacher salary increases during the financial strain of the Great Depression. A notable achievement during his tenure was the organization of the 1945 Exhibition Baseball Game, intended to rekindle interest in Waxahachie baseball after its discontinuation during World War II. Mr. Clift not only helped organize the game, which featured the 1945 WHS Baseball Team against the “Old Timers”—including professional players Dizzy Dean and Paul Richards—but also participated in the event, leading the “Old Timers” to victory.

Civic Leadership and Philanthropy

Beyond his work with the school board, Mr. Clift was an active philanthropist and civic leader in Waxahachie. He served as mayor for eight years, being the last to be elected directly by the citizens. Mr. Clift’s devotion to Waxahachie was evident in his role as president of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce and participation in numerous chamber committees. For thirty years, he served on the industrial committee, playing a key role in attracting new businesses and industries to the city, such as Owens Corning.

Professional Career

In 1950, Mr. Clift began working for Citizens National Bank of Texas, where he served as Executive Vice President and CEO until his passing in 1970. His leadership extended to the banking sector, as he also held the position of President of the 5th Banking District of Texas.

Personal Interests and Legacy

On a personal note, Mr. Clift’s passion for baseball was well-known. He annually rented a television set during the World Series, placing it in the Citizens National Bank lobby for customers to enjoy the games. He also enjoyed playing dominoes and checkers, raising cattle, and was a devoted Texas Longhorn fan. In the afternoons, he cherished hearing his daughters play the piano and sing popular songs of that era, including “Peg O’ My Heart” by Red Nichols, “The Waltz You Saved for Me” by Wayne King, and “Sonny Boy” by Al Jolson.

Enduring Impact

The early twentieth century was a period of significant history for the City of Waxahachie. The accomplishments of Oliver E. Clift are interwoven with those of the community. His unwavering commitment to the children of Waxahachie ISD and its citizens will be remembered as an enduring legacy in the city’s history.