Clifford Vern Clark's Obituary
Clifford Vern Clark was born January 8th, 1935 in Long Beach, CA to Clinton and Elvira Clark. At the age of 11, the Lord touched his heart, and he committed his life to God knowing that it was a forever choice. He was true to that vow to the finish. At 19, Clifford met his sweetheart, Marcy. She said what attracted her to him, was his kindness. They were engaged about a year, and were married on March 2nd, 1956 just before he shipped overseas to France. They raised their three children in Southern California. Clifford worked as Operations Manager for Shell Oil Company for 35+ years.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marcy; his son and wife, Mel and Diana Clark, his daughter and husband, Reneé and Ned Pontious, and his son and wife, Phil and Suzanne Clark; six grandchildren: Weston, Dellas, Marissa, Cori, Lindsey, and Isabella; and five great-grandchildren: Chloe, Jaxson, Grayson, Acelynne, and Zane.
Clifford received his draft notice from the US Army in 1955. After basic training at Ft. Sam, TX, he went to medical training at Ft. Huachuca, AZ. He was stationed in Ft. Lewis, WA, when he received orders to ship to France. He called Marcy, and they were married within the week. He realized upon arrival in France, that his good friend, Chuck Morris was serving in the same hospital unit. Together they bought a car, and spent all their free time visiting friends and workers, and transporting them to various places. Some names we often heard were Sandy and Eva Scott, Simone Jung, and Eldon Walker. One of his favorite stories was when the workers took him to meet “Grandma.” When the German soldiers came to commandeer Grandma’s house for their own use, she met them at the door, and offered to cook and clean for them if she could live in the basement. The arrangement worked perfectly because of her willing spirit to be a servant. The soldiers didn’t destroy her home. Clifford also told of many Sunday mornings, climbing a hill with Chuck to have a little meeting together.
Clifford loved to tease, but he was always serious about spiritual things. He lived to go to meeting, to be in fellowship, and to be a help to the workers. He fixed many a car when the workers were going back and forth into Mexico. He was lost in the kitchen but could work his way around a transmission with no problem. He smiled easily, was known for his kindness, and he loved to help people.
Some “dadisms”:
- Take it to the Lord in prayer. Trust.
- Don’t get ready. Be ready.
- Keep it simple.
In his latter years, Clifford loved going to coffee with Dean Selvig, Gene Dingman, Roy Barnes, and other buddies. He could eat mocha almond fudge ice cream three times a day if possible. He will be dearly missed, and always remembered for his unwavering commitment to the Lord.
What’s your fondest memory of Clifford?
What’s a lesson you learned from Clifford?
Share a story where Clifford's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Clifford you’ll never forget.
How did Clifford make you smile?
