It all began on March 22, 1937, when Leo Floyd Clark was born in the Tolon Community, west of Beggs, Oklahoma. Leo began his education at Willow Grove School in the Nuyaka Community at the age of 6. The next year, he entered Tolon School after his parents, Emanuel and Vernice [Brazil] Clark, and his little sister, Vernetta moved from Nuyaka to the Tolon Communtiy. He continued his education at Wheatly High School in Beggs.

Affectionatley referred to as "Fat Daddy" or "Brother" by his family and close friends, Leo will always be remembered as a sharp dresser-his shoes always shined, and always driving the shiniest truck or car. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. If you asked him for advice or a question, he would gladly explain in the most thorough, detailed manner. This mad not knowing, so much fun. Leo took great pride in his work, very serious about the end result-that's just the way he was.

These serious qualities carried over into his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator Engineer. He began his training on the family farm, operating the farm equipment and assisting his father and grandfather in the daily operations. After leaving home, Leo became a long distance truck driver during the 1950's. In the early 1960's, he moved to Denver, Colorado, where he met and married June Hazel Myles. The remained united in Holy Matrimony for over 40 years. He later moved his family to Seattle, Washington. He joined the Local Labor Union 307 and 701, back when there were very few blacks allowed to join. This affiliation provided the opportunity to work on the Alaskan Pipeline and also for Peter Kiewitt & Sons Equipment. Leo's experience and attention to detail almost always advanced him to Supervisor. While in Seattle, he worked for Boeing Aircraft and was involved in construction of some of the Sky Scrapers there. In the 1980's, he moved back to home for a few years. He was instrumental in the construction of the Kimberly-Clark Plant in Jenks and Jody's Quick Stop in Beggs.

At an early age, Leo accepted Christ into his life and joined the Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church. His love of God and dedication to the Lord was evident through his many works serving the Lord. He and his wife, June, Pastored the Spirit of the Lord Ministry in Corpus Christi, Texas. He spent a portion of his life in Corpus Christ and New Mexico doing Mission work. He was particulary passionate about helping the needy. He issued food and clothing to the needy families in that area through the Haven House refuge for Men and the Saints for Women Refuge as well, both Non-profit ministries he directed. He also preached for 4 years at the Search for Truth Mission in Corpus Christi and was a Television Evangelist there for another 4 years. A true testament to the heart and dedication of the Servant of God, Bishop Leo F. Clark.

In his 69th season, Bishop Leo Floyd Clark, dozed into Eternity on Thursday, January 11, 2007 from Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vernice Clark and his grandparents.

He leaves in God's care; his devoted wife, June Clark, of the home in Beggs, Oklahoma; his father, Emanuel Clark, Beggs, Oklahoma; his children, James Clark, Beggs, Oklahoma, Sheila Martin and Flecia Martin, both of Houston, Texas, Viola "V.V." Lopez and Angela McConoco, both of Denver, Colorado, Wayne Martin, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Richelle Bradshaw, Fort Myers, Florida; his siblings, Vernetta Brumley, Dallas, Texas, W. Ronnie Clark, Rosetta Hortman, Lubertha Nash and Richard Clark, all of Beggs, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; along with precious aunts, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him dearly


The farewell tribute will be on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. in the Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, west of Beggs. Reverend Earnest Joe Lewis will officiate. The Christian committal will follow in the Tuskegee Cemetery at Edna, OK. You may visit Bishop Clark, as he slumbers at the funeral home in Okmulgee on Friday from 12 Noon to 6 PM.