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Clifton Garrett

Clifton Garrett obituary

Clifton Garrett Obituary

Clifton Lee Garrett

1936 - 2025

Clifton Lee Garrett (Clif) 89 of Santa Maria, CA died on October 7, 2025

Born in Texas April 5, 1936. Moved to California in 1945. Attended schools: Buckner Academy, and Baldwin Park Elementary, graduating from Baldwin Park High School in 1954. Met the love of his life in high school, married Judy Mills in 1959. Attended Mt SAC Community College, Los Angeles State College, and UC Berkeley earning a Masters degree in History and teaching credentials in History and Spanish. Began teaching at Shafter High School in 1961. In 1963 he became a professor at Bakersfield Community College, teaching History and Spanish and later French, retiring in 1996. He and his wife moved to Cambria in 1996-2014 then moved to Santa Maria where he was a member of the SMV Historical Society writing booklets of several prominent pioneer families.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years and children Matthew Garrett, Andrew Garrett and Daphne Garrett Benavides. He is proud of his grandchildren Drew Ogden, Tate Garrett, Kennan Garrett and his step grandchildren Daniel Montellano and Adrianna Tremblay as well as 6 great grandchildren.

Private services will be held at a future date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Maria Times on Oct. 11, 2025.

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