Mr. Drane was born in Houston, Texas in 1946. He graduated from Bellaire High School in 1964. He received his B.S. in Economics from SHSU in 1970 and his M.S. in Economics from Texas A&M University in 1972.

Mr. Drane joined the US Air Force in 1966 and, after a period of active duty, he remained in the Air Force Reserve until 1972. He was employed in the trucking industry for a time before returning to college to complete his degree.

Mr. Drane was married to the late Jody Ann Drane of Houston and has two children, Clifford Jr. and Kelly Maeri Drane. He also has three grandchildren, Abby, Ava, and Elias.

Mr. Drane has a number of dogs and cats. His daughter's Blue and Gold macaw and African Grey parrot live with him too. He also enjoys raising horses.

Mr. Drane is also a "car nut" and helps Mr. Johnnie Schroeder co-sponsor the Ag Mechanics Club on campus. He especially likes classic cars, street rods, and custom trucks.