Clark Monroe Minnis

Mr. Clark Monroe Minnis was born February 18, 1938, on a wintery day in Pratt, Kansas to Louis Maceo and Syrena Mae Pearl. His brother Louis, and sisters Capitola and Gloria were all grown. They were happy about his arrival to the family.

He attended his earlier school days in Pratt, then moved out to Los Angeles, California when he was about to attend fifth grade. Completing junior high and high school, he desired a job in order to finish his education and to later pursue his goal of owning a home.

While attending Trade Technical College after high school to get his Mechanical Drafting degree, he got hired at the post office to provide himself financial stability. His degree did not inspire him to pursue higher education, because having ready funds to move out from his parents’ home and having his own home was more tempting to him.

He met Bernice, the love of his life twelve years later and moved her into his new home. This hard-working husband was a motivator and a great supporter who encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming a schoolteacher. Jonathan became their son at the age of four and a half. His friendship with Valerie in high school made Clark and Bernice’s life complete! She became their goddaughter!

Clark was popular among his friends and coworkers -which many of whom have been lifelong! He spent his life being a strong man with a witty sense of humor and a heart full of compassion. If one of his co-workers needed a quarter to buy a snack, he would give them a dollar, freely!

He and Bernice spent a lot of time with National Active and Retired Federal Employees/NARFE which kept them busy. This organization was the one that protected their federal benefits. When he had some free time from the volunteering he did, he would ask others to go to different restaurants because he enjoyed eating out. This was an opportunity to celebrate family events, birthdays and holidays!

He spent many Tuesdays going to Ontario to the Colony Park dances. His declining health kept him from dancing and caused him to make changes. One hundred percent of his remaining life had been spent in a hospital bed and he did not have the strength to control the situation anymore. He was ready to go and meet his maker who was waiting for him in heaven. His life was full and enriched by the decisions he made. Clark was not able to say goodbye to his nieces and nephews on his side of the family. Maybe, eventually, he can see them in heaven.