Clifton “Cliff” Saalwachter, 76, of Owensboro, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away Sunday at home surrounded by love and peace. Born August 9, 1948 he was preceded in death by his parents Jack Saalwachter and Ruby Elizabeth Saalwachter. Cliff’s life was defined by kindness, humor, and an unwavering devotion to those he cherished most.
At 38, Cliff found the love of his life, Phyllis, and with her came a beautiful blessing—her daughter, Jenny. Cliff embraced fatherhood with open arms, loving Jenny as his own and forming an unbreakable bond. Whether sharing stories of their adventures, teaching her life skills, or simply spending time together, Cliff’s pride in Jenny was evident to everyone who knew him. From helping her purchase and renovate her first home to teaching her how to drive—starting when she was just six years old sitting on his lap. One of his favorite stories was the time when he and Jenny went to pick up Phyllis from work and having her do the driving. Jenny asked how do I get there and he lovingly told her, you can do it, you know how to figure it out.
Cliff owned Tri-Star Services, a commercial and residential repair/maintenance company, for many years before joining Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, where he worked until retiring at age 71. He held his work to the highest standards and always believed it was best to do the job right the first time. A dedicated coach, he also spent years mentoring youth in Pop Warner football. Cliff’s goal was always to make the sport an educational and rewarding experience for his players. Even years later, he enjoyed reconnecting with former players and learning about their lives.
Cliff’s sense of humor and generosity brought endless joy to Phyllis and Jenny. They loved to tease him about getting his Tri-Star “unlimited” business credit card when shopping. His happiest moments were spent by their sides, creating memories filled with love and laughter whether it was travel, shopping, eating out or simple quiet time at home. They were blessed to have traveled many places but his favorite go to spot was Grand Cayman.
In 2015, Cliff faced a challenging diagnosis of a rare spine cancer with courage and faith. During his stay at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, he and Phyllis were uplifted by the outpouring of prayers and support from members of Bellevue’s Love & Laughter Life Group, individuals that Cliff and Phyllis had never met. After returning home months later, touched by their kindness, Cliff and Phyllis visited these special people and immediately knew they had found a spiritual home at Bellevue Baptist Church.
Throughout his journey, Cliff’s sense of humor and gratitude never wavered. He never complained or questioned and quite often said “you can always look around and see someone else much worse off”. He is now with Jesus and no longer in pain. He built meaningful relationships with his OHRH caregivers, including Kelly and Hannah, who often surprised him with brownies, and his devoted physical therapists Jessica at OHRH and Kathy at Amedisys Home Health. Their visits, care, and love became a source of comfort and strength for Cliff, and he never missed a chance to tease and laugh with them.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. David Johnson and Jenny, RN for providing such good care to Cliff over these years. The family will be forever grateful for the ongoing support, love and prayers Cliff & Phyllis received from the Love and Laughter Life group. Having love and support made his journey easier to travel.
Cliff’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience. He touched countless lives with his warmth, humor, and selflessness. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He was a total life member of the Rizpah Shriners and often dreamed about being a Shriner clown where he could bring joy and laughter to others, especially children. He was a Mason at Owensboro Lodge 130, Yellow Banks Lodge.
Cliff is survived by his best friend and wife of 38 years, Phyllis Saalwachter; daughter Jennifer Hays (Ward) of Jacksonville, NC; brother Jack Saalwachter (Darlene) of Seneca, SC; sister Jackie Hardison (Mike) of Louisville, KY; step-brother Bill Long of Owensboro, KY; step-sisters Sandy Cornell (Larry) of Lexington, KY and Renee Durand (Jimmy) of Owensboro, KY.
The funeral service will be at 12:00 PM, Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Bellevue Baptist Church. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Bellevue Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Love and Laughter class, Bellevue Baptist Church 4950 KY-56 Owensboro, KY 42301, Rizpah Shriners Hospital 3300 Hanson Rd, Madisonville, KY 42431, or Humane Society 3101 W 2nd St Owensboro, KY 42301 honoring Cliff’s generous spirit and his legacy of love and kindness.