Clyde is preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Teresa Maureen Cone in 1955, and with great anticipation has now joined her in heaven.  Also preceded by his sister, Evelyn Cone Reason; brother-in-law, Stanley Reason; and mentor, Richard Cone.

He is survived by his loving and devoted bride of 65 years, Virginia (Nonie) Elizabeth (Baker) Cone, of Tacoma, Washington. 

Clyde and Nonie met at the USO in San Diego, California, and were married two weeks later on January 19, 1946, in Santa Ana, California.  He told her they would be married as they met, and she thought who is this Marine from Texas, and the love story began. 

From their marriage came five children, Chris Crainer, (Everett), of Churchill, Texas; Teresa, deceased at seven years of age, in 1955, Steve Cone (Stephanie), of Angleton, Texas, John Cone (Robin), of Lake Jackson, Texas, Matt Cone, of Churchill, Texas.  Clyde and Nonie’s family continues to grow with grandchildren; Theresa and Tracy Brooks, Eric and Jennifer Crainer, Andrew and Gabriella Cone, Michael Cone, Brandon Cone, Elizabeth and Chad Tipps and Lauren and Ryan Crew; great-grandchildren, Taylor Brooks, Austin Crainer, Blair Cone and Leah Cone.  Clyde also left behind a host of relatives and friends.

Clyde graduated from Luling, Texas High School in 1941.  As a fighting Luling Eagle he was the State Singles Tennis Champion and continues to hold the single game basketball record of 68 points.  Clyde attended Tarleton College following high school and as all able members of the greatest generation, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942.  He served in the South Pacific in the Marshall Islands and Tarawa Invasion, receiving numerous commendations for Valor.  After victory, he was honorably discharged in 1946.  He returned to California where he met the love of his life Nonie Cone.

It did not take long for Clyde and Nonie to get to Texas, as he started a 20 year career with the Dow Chemical Company, while moonlighting as a pecan buyer, egg seller, car dealer, cattleman, rancher, bomb shelter installation, pizza ovens and pizzas (before there was pizza deliveries), upholstery shop, auto repair shop with 10 mechanics, owner of Day and Night Plumbing and a home builder.  A true entrepreneur!  Once he was 100% real estate, Clyde Cone Company was established in 1957; there was no stopping his financial accomplishments.  In real estate he was in commercial, residential, industrial and ranch sales and, in addition, he managed the greatest sales team ever.  His real estate company was known by many as Clyde Cone, Inc. but those in the real estate industry refer to it as Clyde Cone College.

He is a current member of the St. Timothy Episcopal Church of Lake Jackson.  Community service included serving on the Board of Directors of the Brazosport Chamber of Commerce for many years with Johnny Suggs and Jim Crews.  As a Babe Ruth League coach, his team the Tigers went from a no win season to an undefeated season his first year to coach.  He was the Choir Director of Clute First Baptist Church for two years.  He was former President of Brazoria County Board of Realtors in 1970 and 1971.  A life member of the Brazoria County Fair Association, he helped form the Brazoria County Barbershop Quartet Association and was president of the same.  He was active in Theater Arts, which is now at Brazosport College, served on the grand jury of Brazoria County, member of the American Legion, member of the Brazoria County Marine Corps League, philanthropist to the community, Lifetime Member of the Brazoria County Cattleman’s Association, Brazoria County 100 Club Life Member and noted for major support of Brazoria County Fair, as purchaser of many Grand Champion Steers, Lambs, Goats, Hogs and Chickens.  He was a Charter Member of Lake Jackson Masonic Lodge.  Clyde was a Sunday School teacher at Lake Jackson First Baptist Church for 15 years.  He also served on the South Texas Chamber of Commerce.  He hosted fund raisers for BACH, hosting a golf tournament at Columbia Lakes.  He was a Charter Member of Riverside Country Club.  He was awarded Junior Achievement Lifetime Achievement Award and honored by the Lake Jackson Historical Society. 

Clyde was an avid golfer and a great wing shot dove hunter.  He also enjoyed his numerous travels to Las Vegas and the Louisiana Casinos with his family and friends.  His pleasure included his ranch on the San Bernard River and spending time with his family, animals and giving to others.  He was a great piano player, guitarist, fiddler and vocalist.  If you ever saw him rattle them bones singing Alabama Jubilee…  He was a member of the famous Stamps Brothers Quartet and traveled with them as high tenor.

He was a great father, husband, son and friend to any person or animal in need.  As his friend Billy McIntyre said, “Clyde enjoyed life”.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at Cone Ranch, 4500 CR 819C, Brazoria, Texas from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 31, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Lake Jackson with Andrew and Elizabeth Parker officiating. 

Burial with military honors will follow in the Restwood Memorial Park, with Andrew Cone, Michael Cone, Brandon Cone, Eric Crainer, Tracy Brooks, Chad Tipps, Ryan Crew and Marden Randon serving as pallbearers.

The family request that contributions be made to M. D. Anderson, PO Box 4486, Houston Texas 77420-4486 of United Way of Brazoria County, PO Box 1959, Angleton, Texas 77516.

The family wishes to thank, with their deepest appreciation for devoted care, Emma Jones and Andrew & Elizabeth Parker.

Services are under the direction of Restwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Clute, Texas.