Mahlon Clift Obituary

I'd been trying to connect with Mahlon on Facebook, only find that he has passed away. I knew him in Dover, De. and can only say that he was a dear friend who freely shared his wisdom and humor with all he encountered. I will always remember him fondly.

I've been trying to reconnect with Mahlon on Facebook, only to find that he has passed away. I knew him when he lived in Dover and can only say that he was a dear friend, who constantly shared wisdom and humor. I will always remember him fondly.

To the family of Mal Baby Clift, My wife Pamela and I are from the South Subs of Chicago too. I am retired from the US Army. Mal Baby was one of my best friends in the world. We met shorthly after I got back from Vietnam. We played a lot of cards together and he was one of the best players I had ever met. I just found out today he had departed this life. Pam and I were laughing about some of the antics Mal would pull on us at our favorite spot back in Dixmoor (The Junction Lounge). I lost contact with Mal when I re-joined the Army back in 1983. We just want you all to know we are so sorry to hear about our very good friend. I heard from Mal Baby after over 23 years back in early 2008. He told me he was working in Japan and made it a point to mention his dog and how much he loved working in Japan. It's amazine, I was in Kadena for 2 days back in 1993 on my way to Korea but had no clue he was there. Life is strange! I'm sure by now you guys have begin to get back to normal. We are sorry we didn't know Mahlon had passed away. We live in Fayetteville, NC in the Fort Bragg area where I retired from the Army. Pam was searching for friends this morning on FaceBook and when she couldn't find him there she decided to Google his name. That's when got the sad news. We are Bill Cook and Pamela Trice.

Dear Clift Family,

Mahlon was a great friend and colleague; he made the 6 years I spent in Okinawa more enjoyable. He always had something to teach to you and if you paid attention, you would definitely benefit and gain useful knowledge from his experiences. He performed a difficult and lonely service for the DoD and he took pride in his work. He loved serving the men, women, and families of the DoD and he was a well respected professional. Mr. Clift was there when I needed his support after my father passed away (Mar 2009), just months before him. He told me everything I needed to do to ensure my Dad's funeral arrangements went smoothly. My family and I will miss him and his great smile; we enjoyed having him over to our home several times while we were assigned to Kadena AB (1994-2000). Rest well my Friend...

James Pressley & Family

To The Clift Family:

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with MD in Okinawa Japan from 1995 to 1999. I must say it was one of the best work experiences I had during my 20 year Air Force career. Mainly because it was more a friendship which made the work part easy. I enjoyed the stories, the visits, the holidays, the meals and the mentorship, MD shared not just with me but with all military and civilian personnel he ran across. I am sure each life he touched was changed by him. He had away of making you look at the whole picture whether it was good or bad but in the end you always came out a better person. MD will be missed and the Department of Defense and world have lost a great man and outstanding leader. Please except our deepest sympathies on your loss and remember MD was a great man.

MD we miss and love you!

Tyson Jones and Family

2 years ago I was a young NCO in Misawa, Japan starting out in Mortuary Affairs. I had little training and I was totally terrified by the challenges that the job presented. I was told that if I had any questions Mr. Clift was the man to ask. Ask I did, I can't count how many times I picked up the phone and called Mahlon when I needed answers. Because of him I was able to get my feet under me, get my confidence about me and do my job better than I ever thought I could. I regret that I never did get to meet him face to face and give him a big hug. I learned so much in the 2 years that we worked together and I considered him a great friend. Please except my deapest condolences for your loss, it is a loss that is shared by many because Mahlon truly was a wonderful spirit.

You will be missed my friend!

My Dearest Friend,
Upon my return from Iraq I got word that you are gone. You were my Mentor and trainer, forever miss you...Was looking forward to open that Funeral business with you as we talked abot so manytimes..take care...I wish your family the best and hope they know how great a friend you were to me...

MSgt W. Thales Betterson USAF

Dear Clift Family,
MD was a most special friend to me and my family. Being stationed in Okinawa from 1998-2004, we enjoyed many an occasion together, more than church on Sundays, dinners in town, or on holidays. MD is family. On Thanksgiving, we ensured his Hancock & Moore reclining "chair" was reserved so he could relax after dinner. We enjoyed his zest for life, his stories of home and NASCAR, and his most valued friendship. Sadly enough, we just spoke weeks after his birthday to reflect on days gone by and our prayers for his happiness. To you, thank you for sharing MD with us. He was a special friend and he will be missed. Semper Fidelis. May the Lord keep MD in his own reclining chair to watch over us all. God Bless.

To the Clift family.
My condolences to the entire family. Mahlon was a small boy when Daryl was playing litle league baseball. I remember his family well. Please accept my blessings and love for your family. God Bless all of your family. Best Wishes, Dave Blair

I am very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Clft in Japan before I retired from the Navy and with him again while I worked in Korea. He taught me a great deal and his love for life!

Mahlon was a great friend to me. We first met when I was stationed at Hellenikon ,AB Greece while he was in Turkey. He would always admit that I first thought of him as a " horses behind." All of this came about because of the way he approached the desk at the Apollon Palace Hotel in Athens, Greece where I had worked as a desk clerk. Though many more trips for him to and from the hotel he and I became good friends. We sat many evenings just talking about our families. Mahlon was a Good Man, and will be deeply missed. Mahlon Jr., Madonna, Michele, and Pauline your father/Son loved you all very much. Please be comforted to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time, but cherish the happy memories always.

Pamela M. Hawk