Andrew E. "Andy" Clark Jr.

Andrew (Andy) E. Clark Jr. of Oklahoma City was born in Tulsa, on June 28, 1920 and passed away on January 20, 2002. He is survived by his wife; Jean E. Clark, a daughter; Jan E. Woodard of OKC, a son and daughter-in-law; Andrew E. and Janan W. Clark of Oskaloosa, Iowa, a cousin; William Sexton of Muncie, IN, six incredible grandchildren and six lovely great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; Eunice Ray Clark and Andrew E. Clark Sr. of Tulsa. During his life he earned multiple degrees in Music, Education and Administration from the University of Tulsa and served in the US Army during World War II where he attained the rank of Captain. In his youth he was a skilled trombonist who performed with many bands during the 'Big Band Era'. After starting a teaching career as a band director in the schools of Strang and Nowata, he became the High School Principal at Nowata High School. In 1956 he became head of the Secondary Education Department and director of the Laboratory Schools at Emporia State College in Kansas and then in 1958 he became the Academic Dean at Northwestern State College in Alva, a position he then held for many years. After a heart attack in 1963, he became a music professor in the NWSC music dept. where he taught low brass and directed the Jazz Band. In 1975 he retired from Northwestern State and joined American National Life Insurance Co in Oklahoma City where he retired in 1985. Andy's outgoing and fun-loving personality made him successful in his personal life as well: an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a valued member and officer of numerous civic, professional and social organizations, he always seemed to be right in the 'thick of things' and a person who others relied on for advice. His many friends will long remember his incredible sense of humor and exuberance for life. But perhaps his greatest achievement was as the head of his family. Married to his beloved wife Jean for over 60 years he was also a loving and caring father. As a doting grandfather, he was the ringleader at every family occasion entertaining with his woeful 'magic' tricks and off-beat fun and mischief. While the family is now mourning his passing, they are also rejoicing that he was able to be such an superlative influence on their lives for so many years. Services will be held at 1:00 PM at the Spring Creek Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 23, 2002. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Spring Creek Baptist Church Shut-In Tape Ministry Fund. VONDEL L. SMITH & SON MORTUARY 13125 N. MacArthur 720-1439