Lewis Clift, 96, of Elk City, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully on August 19, 2026.

Lewis was born on March 14, 1930, in Fresno, California, to Clarence Clifford Clift and Mary L. (Elrod) Clift. He was raised in Springfield, Missouri, where he attended Springfield Senior High School and graduated on May 25, 1948.

On August 9, 1965, Lewis married the love of his life, Dale Ann Reed, in Marlow, Oklahoma. They shared over 50 years together before her passing.

Lewis began his working career working for the railroad out of Springfield, Mo. He spent most of his working life in the oil and gas industry, building a career in the oil field and retiring as a drilling superintendent with Burlington Resources, now Conoco Phillips. His work took him to many places, both throughout the United States and around the world. Among the places where he lived and worked were Springfield, MO, Duncan, OK, Woodward, OK, and Elk City, Oklahoma, as well as international locations including Iran, Nigeria, and Venezuela. His career was a reflection of his hard work, determination, and willingness to go wherever the job took him.

After retiring from the oil and gas industry, Lewis discovered that retirement didn't mean slowing down. Instead, as a local newspaper once described it "He simply changed hats". Lewis was involved with numerous community organizations and causes, including Rotary, the Elk City Chamber of Commerce, HELP Inc., the Elk City Oil & Gas Show, as well as serving many years on the trustees committee at the United Methodist Church. He volunteered extensively with the Elk City Chamber and was particularly dedicated to community events and projects. He helped make Christmas in the Park an ever-growing tradition and contributed his time to the Fall Festival of the Arts and many other Chamber of Commerce efforts. The Chamber recognized him with The Pam Gregory Volunteer of the Year Award. Outside of his community work, Lewis enjoyed woodworking and fishing. He had a particular interest in the Oklahoma City Thunder and enjoyed collecting coins.

Lewis was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, wife D'Ann Clift, sister Louise, daughter Timberley Weatherly, and grandsons Josh and Luke Clift.

He is survived by son Douglas Clift and wife Bonnie from Norman, OK, daughter Erin Walton and husband Johnny from Florence, MS, daughter Kristen Waters and husband Jeff from Elk City, OK, daughter Debby Lohmeyer, and son in law Basil Weatherly of Elk City, OK. Grandchildren Scott Clift and wife Leslie of Norman, OK, Amanda James and husband Steve of Norman, OK, Summer Graves and husband Tyler from Oxford, MS and Alex Waters and wife Katelyn from Weatherford, OK. Lewis also had 11 great grandchildren that he dearly loved.

His life was one of hard work, service, friendship, and dedication to his community. Lewis will be remembered as a man who never truly retired—he simply found new ways to make a difference.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Homestead Assisted Living, LifeSpring Home Care, Comforting Hands Hospice, and Elk City Nursing Home for the exceptional care given and shown to Lewis.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Whinery Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Elk City, Oklahoma.