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Patrick Clinton Obituary

DR. PATRICK 'PAT' JAMES CLINTON, 64 ROCKFORD - After a two year battle with brain cancer, I graduated to heaven at 1:12 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2011. When I was 9 years old, I believed John 3:16 and received eternal life. As it says in Scripture, I am fully rejoicing in the wonders of the triune God. Embracing and conversing with my daughter, Darcy Sue, my father- and mother-in-law (Fillmore and Arloine Peterson), and so many other followers of Jesus Christ has been a joy beyond words. It is my heart's desire that each of you would come to love and trust Jesus Christ as your own personal Lord and Savior. His death and resurrection provided the way for us to have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Inviting Christ to be the Lord of your life, seeking His merciful forgiveness, and believing He is indeed the Son of God will ensure that you also receive eternal life. I love you, Dad and Ma (Joe and Shirley Clinton). Being solid Christian parents, you gave birth to me on Sept. 19, 1946, in Racine, Wis., and raised me well. Together with my brothers, Joe (Dorothy), Tom (Linda) and Bob (Bobbie), and my sister, Debbie (Herb Rosborough), we experienced lifelong love and respect. I am waiting for our joyous eternal reunions. Colleen, my gracious wife, you will always be my best friend. During our wedding on June 24, 1967, we sang a song of commitment to the Lord and to God's service. God gave us three precious daughters, Andrea Rae (Joel Jacobson) on Father's Day, Darcy Sue (deceased 1974) on a beautiful autumn Friday, and Lanae Lynn (Joel Williams) on Labor Day. You mothered them wonderfully and helped me to be their loving father. Girls, you will always be our treasures. I will pray for you and our dear grandchildren, Emma, Elliott, and Andrew (Jacobson) and Benjamin, Luke, and Mary Grace (Williams). Remember "Only one life t'will soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last." Sweetheart, during all our 43 years of married life you encouraged me through my graduations from Trinity College (1968), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1971 and 1983); through our Evangelical Free Church pastorates in Winona, Minn., Beaver Falls, Pa., Holdrege, Neb., Clear Lake, Iowa, and Davis; and through my missionary services with Slavic Gospel Association, Rockford Rescue Mission, and First Love International Ministries. Remember God gave us an extra two years after my brain cancer diagnosis, strengthened our certainty of seeing Him face to face, and brought me home in His perfect timing. Roland and Jeri Peterson (Colleen's brother and sister-in-law), our many nieces and nephews, and all other relatives and friends - thank you for your love and prayers. May you all continue to help my dear Colleen and daughters in the days ahead. Thank you, Dr. John Dorsey, Dr. Todd Alexander, Dr. Karen Smorowski, Dr. William Edwards and Dr. Nicholas Vick. The Lord used your giftedness to control my cancer and prolong my days to love and serve. Please encourage my dear family at visitations from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 11 and 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at First Evangelical Free Church (Mulford at Spring Creek). My funeral service will follow at the church at 10 a.m. Saturday. The public is invited to attend. Your kind gifts will be shared for our Lord's continued services through First Love International Ministries, Rockford Rescue Mission, and First Evangelical Free Church. Assisting us with the celebration is Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 1340 S. Alpine Road, Rockford. For information, 815-395-0559 or visit their website at gracefh.com. On my grave stone that will one day be shared with Colleen are these descriptive words: "Lovers of Jesus Christ" and "Rejoicing & Waiting for You". If you have never decided to love and trust Jesus as your Savior, don't wait. It is the most important decision you will ever make.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Mar. 9 to Mar. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Patrick Clinton

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Karen Yates

March 27, 2011

Colleen and family---Pat was a wonderful person and showed all people he encountered, Christ through the life and his actions. His passion and love of his Lord never waivered. I loved his ability to "tell it like is was" in a loving manner and confront with honesty and compassion. He will be missed, but know that we will all meet again someday and rejoice in our Lord! My prayers continue for you and your family as you encounter these days without a beloved person.

Trudie Fink

March 21, 2011

My prayers are with you and your family. I attended Harlem High School with Pat. I know he will be missed by all.
Trudie (Oswald)Fink Class of '64

Irvin & Marlene Rohl

March 17, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 17, 2011

How faithful he was throughout his days, Pat inspired us all. My very deepest sympathies to the entire family who will miss him because of his gentle manner and dedication to serving others. While the entire Clinton family will share memories of wonderful times; and you have our prayers for your comfort. Pat Harris Largent

Natalie Beckwith (Turnquist)

March 15, 2011

My prayers are with you. The world has lost a wonderful man, but he is reaping the rewards of a life truly lived for his Lord and Savior.

March 14, 2011

Dear Joe, Shirley, Colleen and family,
I also went to church with the Clinton's (Tom and I were in the same class). Pat was always one to look up to, not because of his height but because of his love of Jesus and willingness to share HIM with anyone who would listen. God used Pat back when our church was on North Second St. until He called him home. Pat was so happy...he loved his Savior, family, friends & all who came in contact with him and we all loved him back. Pat proved that even in death one can reach someone with the Word of God; I believe God will use even Pat's obituary to bring honor to Himself. I grieve for your lose but rejoice in heaven's gain and knowing we will meet again. All my love and prayers, Mrs. Judy Keltz Dray

March 12, 2011

DEAR COLLEEN AND FAMILY,

OUR SINCERE PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. PAT WAS A VERY LOVING AND CARING MAN AND WE WILL ALL MISS HIM!
WE BELIEVE THAT HE HAD A GREAT IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF OTHERS AND HIS FRUITS WILL FOLLOW HIM THROUGHOUT ETERNITY!

WE FIRST MET HIM AT THE ROCKFORD RESCUE MISSION WHERE WE PREACH ONCE A MONTH.

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU!

SINCERELY,

PASTORS PHIL AND DIANA LEOMBRUNI
NEW LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
8501 FOREST HILLS RD.
LOVES PARK, IL 61111
815 654-3882

March 11, 2011

Many of his services at Faith Community Church I always thought were directed especially to me! He was a huge inspiration in my life, and myself and my family are honored to have known Pastor Pat and his family! Please except our condolences and know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time.... Richard and Donna Krepfle (Durand, IL)

Larry & Roberta Turnquist

March 11, 2011

What a wonderful testimony of God's saving grace. I am so thankful our paths crossed in this life, Pat, and we eagerly look forward to spending time with you as we thrill in the blessings of eternal life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Colleen, may the Lord wrap His arms of love and comfort around you, and as you walk this earth without your dear husband by your side we know he will always be in your heart. God bless you and your dear family. Our love and sympathy to all from "Mr. T and me."

David Gabel

March 11, 2011

I have never respected a man as much as I did Dr. Clinton. I have stood in awe at his Christ-like attitude and his inclusive demeanor towards all people. If not for the love of Christ in Dr. Clinton I do not believe I would have had the great pleasure of serving my Lord at the Rockford Rescue Mission for the past 3 and a half years. He has been and will continue to be a blessing to me through the wonderful memories I have of his life and impact.

KAREN KING

March 10, 2011

WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN . I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW HE CAME TO OUR HOUSE TO SHARE HIS WISDOM & HIS LOVE FOR JESUS WITH US.HE JUST KNEW THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY;HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.

Rev. Dr. Dave & Vicki Anderson

March 10, 2011

Colleen & Family,
Dave and I grew up with Pat at Forest Hills Free Church. We have not seen him in many many years, but want to send our prayers to sustain you at such a difficult time.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:25) Our prayer is that these last words will be used by the Holy Spirit to bring yet another soul to repentance and faith in Jesus. What a beautiful life and testimony....may it be an encouragement to all who read it to fight the good fight and "encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25) Dave & Vicki Anderson

Roger & Barbara Lindeman

March 10, 2011

When you read Pat's Obit, you see how people that truly love Jesus end this earthly life. Pat is not dead, he is more alive now that ever. We will always miss him, he was so special, but we have the hope that Jesus died for and this earthly separation is only temporary. May the memory of him comfort the family that he loved so dearly. The fruits of his labors will long be evident. We will never know just how many people he touched until we see him again in heaven. May God bless you and be a comfort to you all.

March 10, 2011

I attended Harlem High School with Pat. I hadn't seen him again untill he attended my daughter and son-in-laws wedding June 28, 2008. My son-in-law is John Hazlewood and worked with Pat at the Rockford Rescue Mission. He was go gracious and kind when he spoke of us attending school together and was happy my daughter was getting married to a Rescue Mission employee. God will comfort you through this - I know because he did when my husband died. This was a wonderful message he prepared.

Dale Anderson

March 10, 2011

God Bless all of you..
Your all in our prayers.....
Pat was a good man and a very good friend to all...
He will be missed..
But he will also be remembered as a man of faith... a servant of Christ....
It was a joy to know him....
Also if there is anything we can do for any of you please let us know. ok
In Christ
Pastor Dale & Doris Anderson
Belvidere 1st. Assembly of God.....

Linda Hullinger

March 10, 2011

Pat, you will be trully missed at Rockford Rescue Mission. Thanks for all the help you gave to the men and women in the programs.

Dr. John O'Brien, Dr. Jennifer Woolery and Staff

March 10, 2011

To the Clinton Family,
We are sorry to hear of the loss of Pat. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

steve masterson

March 10, 2011

pat was a very,very caring person,he is already missed dearly by the rrm,hes home.god bless the family.

Mark and Debbie Knowles

March 9, 2011

Dear Colleen, I just read the obit, and I was so blessed! What a testimony! I will pray that those who read this obit that Pat wrote will respond to what he said, and that the Holy Spirit will do a mighty work in the hearts and minds of everyone who reads it! It will be exciting to see how God works through what he wrote. We continue to lift you and your family up to the Father...I sense that God's presence has been real to you all, and I am confident that He will continue to walk with you in the days ahead...we count it a privilege to have known Pat! Mark and Debbie Knowles (Rockford, IL)

March 9, 2011

Pat's testimony through his obituary speaks of a man who finished strong. God bless you all! George & Carol Bates Kohala coast Hawaii

March 9, 2011

Prayers and blessings to the family and friends of Pat Clinton. As stated in his obituary, Pat has graduated to heaven. For those of us that have had the privilege of knowing Pat, we can attest to the fact that he graduated at the top of his class in his service to the Lord. May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
Larry & Carol Sue LeVeque, Loves Park, IL

Ron Foote

March 9, 2011

While the paths of our journeys have not crossed in many years, the memories of a great friend have not parted ways. Colleen, you and Pat (and your dear family) are a big part of an important era in my life. Pat was a wonderful college roommate, friend, and ball player (affectionately and respectfully referred to as "tall, dark, and simple" - he certainly was not simple). His 'well-lived' life is highly respected and honored. The grief of his earthly loss is strongly felt in Denver, as is the rejoicing for Heaven's gain.

Denny & Evie Johnson

March 9, 2011

thanks to the entire family for sharing Pat's personal testimony of a life well lived and continuing in heaven. Pat loved the Lord, loved his family and friends. Plus in his last sharing of thoughts, want all others to know and trust Jesus while they can. Well done.

March 9, 2011

WOW. What a testimony Patrick's Obitiuary is - I was blessed by reading it, and I don't know him. I was looking for a relatives and came across it. Blessings to the family and friends who have been temporarily seperated from him until you see him again in heaven. I wish I had known him, but as a believer, I will get to know him in heaven.

Ginnie Fant

March 9, 2011

It was such a pleasure to know Pat Clinton! He was Jesus' hand extended to everyone he met. My prayers are with Colleen and your beautiful family as you walk out the "times"following your sweet farewells, and "see you soons". Ginnie Fant

Vivian Gaines

March 9, 2011

I don't know how to put my thoughts into words. I will miss seeing his smiling face, but as Paul said -- he fought the good fight -- so I cannot mourn for Pat. But, I do mourn for me.

Rita Ruggles

March 9, 2011

Colleen and Family, What an incredible blessing and legacy you will have to console you while you mourn. Pastor Pat was the real deal. We will all miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Craig & Rita Ruggles
Jim & Joyce Ruggles

Jean and Dave Alfredson

March 9, 2011

This is the most beautiful obituary we have ever read. What a wonderful testimony. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Jean and Dave, former members of First Free

Vickie

March 9, 2011

Colleen,
I was an honor and a pleasure to take care of Patrick at ACT medical. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Vickie

Dawn Rogers

March 9, 2011

Colleen and family, our thoughts and prayers are with your family. As I know this is a difficult time, we know that Pat is much more happy and comfortable in heaven. He was an amazing person. Very caring and generous. I really enjoyed meeting with you both at the Recovery program you held at First Evangelical Church. The program was very helpful and I was disappointed when the class was over, but it was important for you to spend time together before his departing. Thank you for everything you both have done. It has been greatly appreciated.

March 9, 2011

Pat was an influence on my life at the Davis church. My sympathy to Coleen, Andrea and Lanae. Edith Riley

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