Frank James Clardy

Frank James Clardy was born in Clarksville, Tennessee, on February 17th, 1940. He attended Lincoln High School and worked as a sous chef at the Haldi Shrine Temple in Evansville. In 1961, he moved to Indianapolis and met his future wife, Judith Ann Thompson. They married in 1964 and in 1969 moved to California with their two young daughters Cherlyn and Chaunita. Frank worked as an inspector at the Sears and Roebuck Distribution Center and later founded a family restaurant in Los Angeles.

In 1972, Frank was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost at Emmanuel Temple Apostolic Church. He served in various roles, including President of the Choir, Sunday School Teacher, Vice-President of the Brotherhood Committee, Secretary of the Missionary Department, and member of the Deacon Board. In 1982, he was called into the ministry and elevated to the office of Elder. He had a strong passion for outreach ministry where he brought encouragement and joy to others through his faith and music. During this season of life, Frank and Judith were blessed with four more children: Cherie, Frank (Butch) II, Chaneen, and Steven.

In 1991, Sears closed down its Distribution Center, forcing Frank into early retirement. From 1991 to 1996, he pursued his passion for barbecue, managing several restaurants in Southern California and building a successful home-based business selling dinners.

In 1997, Frank and Judith returned to Indianapolis, where he worked at Lowe’s until 2002. He became a devoted member of Bethesda Temple, serving as an Associate Minister and singing with the Redeemed Brothers group. He loved music and shared his gift by writing songs for the group and recording many of his own.

Frank was a sports enthusiast, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers. He enjoyed taking his children to sporting events, creating cherished family memories. Frank’s greatest joy was his family, his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had a joyful spirit, loved to laugh, and brought happiness to everyone around him.

Elder Frank J. Clardy, Sr. transitioned from this earthly realm on August 6, 2025. He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Judith; six children: Cherilyn Clardy, Chaunita Clardy (D’maz), Cherie Miller (Benjamin), Frank J. Clardy II (Butch) (Michelle), Chaneen Clardy, and Stephen Clardy; and seven grandchildren: Shayde Hunter, Destenee’ Thomas, Daylon Clardy, Lauren Miller, Grant Miller, Caleb Clardy, and Caden Clardy.

He is also survived by his siblings: Sarah Clardy, Garnette “Peg” Esters, Mae Ferguson (Ray), Odell Clardy (Julie), and Charles Lucas; his sister-in-law, Karen Clardy; his uncle, S.T. Lucas; and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bob Ella Lucas; his aunt (and mother figure), Edna Clardy; his aunt Eula Mae Lucas, his uncle, Earl Clardy and Jesse Lucas ; his grandsons, D’Mazana Zion Lumukanda and Levi Brian Clardy; his brothers, Marshall Clardy and Arthur Lucas Jr; and his sisters, Rose Lucas and Ella B. Terry

Visitation will be held Friday, August 29, 2025 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM followed by funeral services at 12:00 PM all at Bethesda Temple Apostolic Church, 2147 W. 63rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46260. A Repast will follow at the Church Fellowship Hall. Please send flowers to the church.

Services entrusted to Family Funeral Care, 5791 Rockville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46224.