Phil grew up in Sayre, Oklahoma where he attended school. During his senior year, he joined the United States Marine Corps where he was stationed at Paris Island in South Carolina and also Camp Pendleton in California during the Vietnam era. After his discharge he returned to Sayre, Oklahoma where continued to court and date the llove of his life. Phil was finally given the opportunity in August of 1975 to go on a date with Leona Fay (Parks) they were later married on January 2, 1976. After their marriage they moved to various places following Phil’s employment, but always settled back in Sayre where they raised their children and grew their family. In 1980 Phil began his career in the oil and natural gas industry. He continued his career until 2003 when he retired and became a full time “Papa Phil”. Phil was a man of many traits, could do anything, never met a stranger, and could often be found talking to any and everyone. He also enjoyed fishing, spending time on his tractor, and spending time with his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; grandson, Phillip David Riggs; one brother, Steven Clifton; and sister, Sheila Clifton.

Phil is survived by his wife, Leona, of the home; 2 children, Jessica Riggs and partner, Kevin Harrell, Sayre, OK, and Phillip Don Clifton, Jr., Sayre, OK; 7 grandchildren, Layne Riggs and partner, Morgan, Savanna Riggs and partner, Nyles, Emily Riggs, Katelynn Montgomery and husband, Morgan, Alexis Berryman and partner, Colton Paxton, Chelsey Hodges and husband, Chance, and Brittney Clifton; 19 great grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter on the way; 2 brothers, John Bohannon, and Scott Driver; 2 sisters, Cynthia Flynn, and November King and a host of other relatives and friends.