Dates
Clifton Bernard Hohensee of Wall, TX bid his earthly home farewell 3 months short of his 90th birthday celebration. He passed away Thursday, September 3, 2015 after morning coffee & great conversation with "the guys" at the Co-op.
Cliff was born November 27, 1925 in the Miles, TX area to Paul & Emma (Pohler) Hohensee. When he was 7 years of age, his dad purchased a cotton gin in Miles which began Cliff's never ending love for the cotton ginning industry. Cliff graduated from Miles High School in 1943. In 1944, he entered the military where he served in Central Europe during World War II with Company B 21st Armored Infantry Battalion. He earned 3 bronze stars and 2 Overseas Service Bars. His company was responsible for the liberation of Mauthausen Concentration Camp – an experience that Cliff didn't like reflecting on.
On May 14,1947, Cliff married Dorothy (Dot) Lucille Kriegel, his high school sweetheart. They moved to Wall where he enjoyed farming and ranching. He worked at a local gin until it was purchased by a group of local farmers who formed the Wall Cooperative Gin. In 1957, he was named manager and served in that capacity until 1995 when he retired. Much of the success of this gin is credited to Cliff's management during the gin's formative years.
Because of his dedication to the cotton industry, Cliff was awarded Cotton Ginner of the Year in 1988. In 1990, he was named Co-op Ginner of the Year.
Although Cliff was extremely busy in his profession, he found time for the community he loved so much. He was an original director of the Tom Green County Farm Bureau. Cliff was involved in bringing the Texas A&M Research & Extension Center to San Angelo. He was also instrumental in getting the Boll Weevil Eradication Program started in the Southern Rolling Plains. The Wall Volunteer Fire Department credits Cliff as a driving force in its creation. As a charter member of the Wall Young Farmers Chapter, he worked with many of their service activities.
In 1959, Cliff was among a group appointed by Ag teachers and extension agents to form the Tom Green County Livestock Show Association. Because of his lifelong commitment & support of the show, the 2005 Tom Green County Jr. Livestock show was dedicated to him.
Cliff & Dot raised their family in the Wall community as members of St. Ambrose Catholic Church where he was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus.
This bigger than life, kind hearted man leaves behind a legacy of love for his surviving wife, Dot Hohensee as well as their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Godchildren & extended family. Cliff and Dot's children are Alan Hohensee (wife – Patricia), Mark Hohensee (wife – Debbie), & Jan Yanez (husband – Jack). His 7 grandchildren are Angie Carver (husband – David), Dusty Hohensee (wife – Heather), Doug Hohensee (wife – Mindy), Joey Wilke (wife – Rebekah), Emilee Yanez, Sterling Hohensee and Blaine Yanez. He is called Grandpa, Me-Paw, Popo & PamPaw by his 8 great grandkids – Caden, Berkley & Kelton Carver; Paige & Kate Hohensee; and Jaxon, Hayze & Creed Hohensee.
Cliff is survived by his brother, James Hohensee (wife – Catherine). His sister, Pauline Hohensee Book and her husband, Herbert preceded him in death. Cliff was a favorite uncle, cousin and friend to many who loved him for his warm smile and practical jokes. Cliff spent many days at a deer lease or baiting a trot line with buddies he valued as close as brothers