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Mark Clapham Obituary

Mark Clapham was born in 1948 in Vallejo, California to Wanda and Waldo Clapham. He grew up in Texas and played football for the University of Houston, graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. For the next 30+ years, Mark's talents as a painter, sculptor and muralist would bring him many honors, some of which include: the University of Houston's John B. Van Ness Distinguished Alumni Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the alternate Texas State Artist in 1991. In 1973, Mark was commissioned to create the Hall of Honors Awards for the University of Houston. To date, he has cast more than 80 bronze sculptures for the university. In 1990, his work was selected by the National Academy of Arts for a national museum tour. And today, his 70 foot mural "The Montgomery County Walkway Through Time" is the only mural that spans a Texas highway.

His internationally known talent and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed. Mark is survived by his daughter, Holly Clapham-Rosenow; niece, Charlene Fouke Watts; nephew, John Fouke; and lifelong friend, Lois Blackburn.

Public visitation is Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cashner Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 3 p.m. in Cashner Colonial Chapel. Interment will follow in Garden Park Cemetery. You are invited to leave written messages and condolences for the family on our website at www.cashnerconroe.com.


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

Published by The Courier of Montgomery County from Jan. 13 to Jan. 26, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Chris Forcier

May 3, 2013

We always loved being with Hilley. Our fun Brooks trips, the Shell Houston Open, the Montgomery County Cook Off and Rodeo, and all the other fun times spent with him. So many fond memories! Thank you for giving us Hilley! Rest in peace, our friend!

March 10, 2012

May your beautiful art be continued in heaven. Thank you for your vision and view of earth and its treasures.

rick cates

January 24, 2012

mark and i went to odessa high together and were in mamie carpenter's art class together. he was a good friend and such a great talent. i will miss him being in the world. r.i.p. my friend.
rick cates ohs 1966

James Ullrich

January 24, 2012

My friendship with Mark goes back many years when his studio was on Rhodes Street. His artistic work has always been a fascination to me as Mark seemed to have limitless talent. He could do paintings and sculptures and in all sizes – large or small or in between. None made any difference to this talented individual. Many of our visits included conversations about West Texas and his boyhood home of Odessa. Mark in my opinion played in the most talented backfield in the history of Texas High School Football when he played fullback and Larry Gatlin played quarterback for the Odessa Broncos. Both Mark and Larry later played football at the University of Houston when Wade Phillips was also playing for the Cougars.

When Mark passed away, the University of Houston, The State of Texas, and The City of Conroe lost a gifted talent-and I lost a good friend.

Gary Priddy

January 23, 2012

I grew up with Mark in Odessa and I am sure I speak for many in that community. He was a gifted athlete and artist, a rare combination. We are proud to have known him and he will be greatly missed.

Earl Cherry

January 23, 2012

Pam and Earl Cherry high school classmates , Mark you will be greatly missed. Earl and I admired your work so much and the Bar Keep Rules copy hangs proudly in Earl's office . To Mark's family what a wonderful legacy his has left behind. Mark your classmates will miss you thank you for taking the time to come and be apart of our lives.

Cathy Brown

January 20, 2012

I knew Mark several years ago. He used to come to the custom door manufacturing plant where I worked for wood scraps for his projects. I have a signed and numbered copy of his "Sixteen Symbols of Texas" that he was throwing away one day while he was there. I asked if I could have it and he said sure. This has hung in my living room since that day. I thought his work was wonderful. My heartfelt sympathies to his family

Jim Wolf

January 19, 2012

Mark was my Fraternity brother at the University of Houston, he was kind and very talented man. My sympathies to his family and friends.
In Hoc
Jim Wolf

Kathy Wheat

January 16, 2012

My friendship with Mark has been for over 40 years. Sadly we only saw each other occasionally about town at some "event". I always enjoyed my "catching up" with him and seeing his funny amused grin he always shared. His talent and good heart are a treasure to me. Hugs to my friend.....

Caren Kirten

January 16, 2012

Mark was a dear friend for 25 yrs. I was out of town this weekend and sadden that I didn't know of his passing. I had said my good-byes a week ago and wish peace to his family. A very kind, gentle and talented man that will live forever in his art and many hearts.

January 16, 2012

I worked with Mark on the school art committee, and was lucky to get a signed print from him that has a special place on my wall. I am sorry for your loss.
Sue Ramsey

January 16, 2012

Our family is saddened by this loss. He was so creative and loved by all. He was my cousin and great memories will be shared as we get together and remember him and his entire family. Margaret McBee Coughran (Kansas, OK)

January 15, 2012

My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Clapham. May you be comforted by reflecting on the many wonderful memories you shared together. Also there will be a time when all causes of death and the sorrow it brings will be gone forever.

dave clements

January 15, 2012

Mark, was a good man. He had a big heart and very generous to help those less fortunate. Whenever i asked the art community of Conroe for support of our Rett syndrome girls Mark would be one of the first to step up WITHOUT question. Mark had a passion for his craft and a beautiful talent to go with it...beyween the two he produced wonderful things for many generations to enjoy...Mark thank you and God bless your family.I am proud to have known you and photographed you. You will be missed .

January 14, 2012

My deepest sympathy. May he live forever in his beautiful art & cherished memories.
Alma Jean Meadows ( Panorama Village, TX. )

Shelly Greider Brenckman

January 14, 2012

I've known Mark since I was 16 years old. He came to my wedding more than 3 decades ago. I've admired and collected his work. He was the best painter I know. What a tragic loss. He will be missed.

Betty Killbuck

January 13, 2012

Mark's paintings and sculptures were just amazing. He started his art as a child, following in his mother's footsteps. The art community will miss him. Wish he could have stayed here a little longer to do more amazing things.
Betty Killbuck

Carolyn Pells

January 13, 2012

Mark Clapham was an outstanding artist. I admired his work. My sincear sympathies to those he leaves behind.

Carolyn Pells

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Funeral services provided by:

Cashner Funeral Home & Garden Park Cemetery

801 Teas Road, Conroe, TX 77303

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