Clinton Woodfin

BOLIVAR, Mo. — Clinton Ray Woodfin passed away peacefully at his home Thursday morning, April 6, 2017, surrounded by his children.

Before going into the ministry, Clinton supported his young family by working at Wagner Electric in St. Louis. During his 30-plus years in the ministry, he served churches in Meadowbrook and Benton, Illinois, and Advance, Missouri. Upon retirement, he accepted a position as associate pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. He then went on to do interim pastoral work in churches at Royalton and Zeigler, Illinois. His genuine love of people and quick wit endeared him to many.

Clinton was born Oct. 29, 1927, in St. Louis to John and Nellie Shell Woodfin.

On Nov. 1, 1947, he was married to Monzelle Harkey in Piggott, Arkansas. They spent almost 69 wonderful years together until her death in August of 2016.

To this union were born four children: one son, Steven and wife Sue of Benton; and three daughters, Lynne Edwards of Benton, Karen Reinhold and husband Don of Tampa, Florida, and Kris McClard and husband Steve of Bolivar.

He was so very proud of his grandchildren, Marci Woodfin Glover and husband Daniel of Benton, Mica Woodfin Roundcount and husband Matt of Bethalto, Illinois, Brent Edwards of Largo, Florida, Ben Edwards of St. Louis, Jonathan Edwards and wife Natalie of Benton, Joshua Reinhold and wife Kristina of Austin, Texas, Daniel Reinhold of Los Angeles and Andrew and Parker McClard of Bolivar.

His five great-grandchildren, that he lovingly referred to as his little scoundrels, are Keegan and Kinley Glover of Benton, Evan and Madelyn Roundcount of Bethalto and Kane Edwards of Benton.

Clinton is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by sister-in-law, Helen Woodfin of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; two brothers-in-law, Walter Harkey and wife Peggy of Meadowbrook, Illinois, and Howard Harkey and wife Dorothy of Shipman, Illinois; sister-in-law, June Becraft and husband Barney of Keyesport, Illinois; and sister-in-law, Donna Harkey of Moro, Illinois. He was also an uncle to many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Ivan and Gavada Woodfin; brother, Leonard Woodfin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Gerald Retherford; brother-in-law, Jack Harkey; his special father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Ruby Harkey; and special nieces and nephew, JoAnn Rice, Joyce Jarman and David Harkey.

The family will receive visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, with visitation at 10 a.m. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Gene Ellis, Pastor Sammy Simmons and music minister John Odle.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or CMH Hospice in Bolivar.

For more information or to sign the online guest register, please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.