Obituary: Troy Mearl Clough

Troy Mearl Clough was born to Ernest Harold Clough and Lillie Clough (Penny) in Canton, Texas on April 30th, 1936. When Troy was a kid, he and his family left the farm in Canton after their two mules were drafted for the war and moved west. The mules, Blue and Kate, were fondly remembered and often made it into Troy's colorful stories when anyone spotted the 1943 Government issued Certificate of Farm War Service hanging on his living room wall. The family moved to San Francisco to work in the shipyards and lived there for a short time before moving to Arvin, California.

Arvin is near Bakersfield, and it was at the fair in Bakersfield where Troy met Lonamae. Soon after, they drove across state lines to get married in Quartzsite, Arizona where it was legal to marry at the age of 15 in 1955. Troy and Lonamae moved around a lot for mining jobs in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Globe, Arizona and Grants, New Mexico. Believe it or not, they let him set dynamite charges! They moved back to California to work on the Gordon Ranch in Chino. There as a ranch worker, he drove Mrs. Gordon all over the west to parties including one at Ronald Regan's house. Troy also buried a famous racehorse of the Gordons, Clabbertown G, who died of old age.

The Troy Clough family consisting of Troy, Lonamae, daughter Donna and son Mearl lived in their home on 10th Street in Chino for 35 years. It was here that Papa (as he was known by his grandkids, neighbor kids and nearly everyone thereafter) converted his garage into a bar adorned with his favorite beverage, Budweiser. It was quite the hangout and lots of neighborhood friends along with family members played their part in attributing to the dozens of beer cases flattened out for wallpaper and hundreds of beer cans strung across the ceiling in neat rows. In 1999, Troy and Lonamae moved to Clovis, NM to be closer to immediate family. Papa was quite the trooper and even in his older age helped with the calves and backhoe business excited to be outside and meeting new people.

Whether it be in Granny and Papa's John Wayne living room in Clovis or his bar in Chino, he loved company and welcomed everybody. Playing cards and dominoes were among his favorites, but regardless of the game, he kept people laughing and smiling. He was such a jokester and earning a Papa-given nickname was always in the cards for visitors. He loved telling stories about his life and usually did so while holding his signature ice cold tin can.

His final days were spent in comfort with his daughter and son-in-law by his side and a framed photo of him and his wife nearby on his nightstand.

Troy was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years of marriage; Lonamae Clough, his infant son; Perry Lee Clough, daughter in law; Deborah Clough, brother; Harold Clough, twin brother; Roy Clough, sisters; Geraldine Fudnerburk and Evelyn Morse.

He is survived by his brother; Flay Clough, sisters; Mildred Salmon and Julie Harden, daughter; Donna (Stan) Surina, and son; Mearl Clough. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Matt (Lacee) Surina, Shanna Smith, Katie (Steven) Farmer, Susan (Andrew) Michael, Julie Surina, Joseph Troy Surina, Jacy Mae Brooks, Troy Mearl Clough II, 19 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

A celebration to remember the life and legacy of Troy will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home, http://www.muffleyfuneralhome.com (575) 762-4435.