On Friday evening, June 17th, Rev. Melvin Ray Clearman finished the race. He fought the good fight, he kept the faith, and he chose to serve and bless others in inimitable ways. With his son by his side, and Texas baseball on TV, it was an apropos conclusion as he passed away in peace.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Eunice Clearman, and his wife, Rosalee. Melvin is survived by his and Rosalee’s three children, Raetta Karnes, Bo Clearman, and Marcy Lytle, six grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
Born in Wylie, Texas in 1925, Melvin spent most of his life in Austin, Texas and was a graduate of Austin High. He was a World War II veteran and spent over 62 years as pastor of Trinity Chapel in Austin. Melvin also spent time as an officer for the City of Austin Police, before he retired from a decades long career at Capital National Bank. He loved to tell stories of God’s handiwork shown throughout his life, and if you asked him for advice he’d always tell you, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are, now. Don't worry about what you can't do, or used to do, or would like to do. Just do what you can today.” He had an affinity for pecans and Blue Bell ice cream, but his best meals were had in his final years during his exploits as Patio Papi.
His wisdom and wit, he gave away freely, and he’ll be missed by countless many. He persevered to the end and is an inspiration to his family.
Visitation will be 6:00pm-8:00pm Friday, June 24th at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Austin, Texas 78752. Melvin’s life will be remembered, and we’ll celebrate his legacy on Saturday afternoon, June 25th, at 1:30pm at Christian Life Church, 4700 West Gate Blvd. Austin, Texas 78745.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Clearman family.
