Neil M. Clark
On the early evening of May 29th, Neil M. Clark peacefully passed away at Grace Living Center in Edmond, Ok. He was 84 years old.
Neil was born in Sand Creek, Oklahoma on January 31, 1929. He grew up on his family farm west of Deer Creek and graduated from Deer Creek high school where he also played football. After high school he served in the Army during the Korean War where he was assigned to a forward MASH camp as a company clerk. He earned an honorable discharge and then attended Harding University where he received his bachelor’s degree. He then began his life-long work as a minister for churches of Christ. He served churches in Colorado, Washington, California, New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma.
During his life his ministry touched many people as he had a special way of teaching and endearing himself to others. He had a passion for knowledge in several areas. He was a great person to talk to and always made a point to encourage everyone he met.
Neil loved animals and raised birds and enjoyed going to bird shows as well as dog shows. His iconic pet was his pug “Ace”.
Neil was preceded in death by his father Lewis Clark, his mother Evah Younce Clark, his brother Bob Clark and his wife Lola, and his sister Elaine Blubaugh. He is survived by his Niece Beth Morrison and her husband Chuck, His Nephew Bill Blubaugh and his Nephew Roger Clark and his wife Gale. Neil also leaves behind a close friend that he honored by referring to him as his adopted son – Patrick Jones and his wife Carla. Neil also honored this family by referring to Patrick and Carla’s children as his grandchildren – Caitlin, Steven, Natalie and Ryan Jones.
A small family service will be held for Neil at Memorial Road Church of Christ Thursday, June 6 at 10:00 am. After the service Neil will be buried in the Deer Creek-Lamont area next to his father and mother.
Neil poured himself out like a drink offering and has now departed us. He fought the good fight and finished the race, keeping his faith. Let God award him his crown of righteousness.
Services are under the Direction of Matthews Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Edmond, OK.
Dear Beth and Families –
Your words above so capture the heart of Neil. He was the minister at my family’s Church of Christ in Anderson, California while I was in high school and thru the beginning of my college years – at a time in my life when I was very sad and despairing and without words to express myself. Neil was also the minister with whom I was closest in my life, and I think often of his encouragement, his seeking me out during my visits to Anderson, and helping me gain some perspective on who I was – that I could achieve my then-vague goals and create a different, better life for myself. I was a young girl – at a time when girls were supposed to be silent, get married, have kids, and serve men. So Neil’s conversations with me had a big impact in my life, and I have thought of them often 0ver the years. I know he worked tirelessly with smaller congregations who needed a minister, and he sacrificed much to live a holy life. I know y ‘all treasured him and showed loving care to him during his life. I’m glad he went peacefully. With love, Patience