Clarence Caywood

Traditionally obituaries share facts and significant accolades from a person’s life. This one is unusual in that Clarence Caywood helped piece together his obituary by sharing some sweet reflections preceding his death.

Stories and people are an essential part of his life. If you ever sat with Clarence Caywood, you know that infectious laughter, encouragement that fuels your soul, sage wisdom, and epic story-telling was a guaranteed experience with him. People who met him shared that he impacted hearts and helped people know they mattered.

Although he became a minister later in his adult life, Clarence Caywood has been ministering to people everywhere he went for 83 years of his life. Before he became a minister, a waitress once asked him to pray with her because she needed to talk to a pastor. When he told her he wasn’t a pastor, she didn’t believe him. Clarence recalled, “God knew best. My whole life was an opportunity to share Jesus’ love and what he had done for all of us.” Mr. Caywood called out his gratitude for the churches he served on staff and minister alongside, from Fayetteville, GA to all over Texas, especially in Conroe, Hereford, Houston, Lubbock, and San Antonio.

Clarence Caywood was a Baptist Minister of Music and Education, originally from Hereford, Texas. “I have gained so many wonderful brothers and sisters from all over the world. But the ones I shared church fellowship with will always be special to me. They let me into their homes and lives. Whether we were serving the community together, singing in worship, opening the Word, praying over something, or struggling through hard times, those moments were each an honor. Every conversation was important.” If you’re looking for a place you belong in, Clarence encouraged that you brave attending church again or for the first time and find a church to call home.

This year, the family had the unique opportunity to engage with Mr. Caywood for long hours before his passing. During that time, the family shared many stories, songs, and conversations. One day he was asked, “Did you ever study a foreign language?” And his answer summed up the way he lived his life. Clarence said, “I tried to learn Russian in 6 weeks through a course at Texas Tech when I was in college, right before I graduated in 1960. That class is my only regret in life. What an embarrassing effort! It didn’t go well. It went terribly, in fact. Originally I thought I could learn Russian and help communicate if our countries ever went to war. Then I realized Russian is hard, and they’re probably all my future friends anyway. I learned I didn’t want to prepare my life for war. If I ever met a Russian, I would offer them food when I see them. And that’s been my approach to making friends my whole life. Food is a great peace offering.” Clarence Caywood was a proud friend to all. He loved sharing quality time with friends, new and old, especially over food.

When recalling the best advice given, Clarence shared, “A man told me, Clarence, you’ve become the recipient of God-given abilities in this life. Use those gifts to follow Him for as long as you’re here. And strive for excellence. If you’re given a family, teach them to do the same. The only thing I would add is that people matter, always.” Clarence truly lived life with gusto and intentionality for God and people.

He was a devoted husband for 60 years to Sue Caywood. When reflecting, Clarence shared, “Sue Evans was the prettiest girl I had ever seen. She trusted God, as did I. We hitched our wagons to that. God was good. And Sue helped and supported me through tough times for sure. She taught me to worry less and how to enjoy trips.” He continued, “Sue and I learned that God takes care of us. We never intended to dedicate our life to ministry full time. We walked in a way with the expectation that God would do as he promised. And He always did. He cared for us.”

Clarence and Sue were blessed with two wonderful kids, Cari and Cody. “Becoming a parent changed my whole life. And when I went into ministry full-time later on, I knew it would impact and require the whole family to come together. Looking at it now, I can see how it shaped all of our lives. God does incredible things, especially when you say, okay, I’ll trust you, Lord.” Clarence graduated from Southwestern Baptist Seminary in May of 1983.

Clarence was a proud family man. He proudly explained, “My kids inspire me. Cari, my daughter, is the most fearless person I know. Cari has been a creative storyteller since day one. I loved our talks together. Cody, my son, is a problem-solver, the best cook, and an organizer. Also, he gave me the best vacation I’ve ever had. We went to Mexico.” Clarence said he was so proud of his kids and daughter-in-law, Denise. He couldn’t be happier with how his life turned out. Plus, Clarence shared, “I got five amazing granddaughters out of the deal. “We did some great things together. I have found the best combo is going for a treat and checking out nature, even if it means squirrel watching. Those bushy-tails are the cutest, after grandkids, of course. And now I have great-grandchildren too. Life has been so good to me.”

When talking about family traditions, Clarence said, “this might be uncomfortable to some, but I always appreciated funerals with my siblings. It meant me, my younger sister and brother would join together singing to celebrate someone and make a memory while doing it. I loved being from a musical family, and I think it’s one of my favorite things about this life. We get to sing in every season of life. We sing to celebrate, to grieve, to worship, or just because we are bored. My sister and brother have some of the best voices ever. They’re just gorgeous.” The family would like to cordially invite you to join in celebrating the life of Clarence Caywood at his memorial service in San Antonio, Texas. Anyone is welcome to attend.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

SATURDAY

JANUARY 16TH, 2021

10:00 A.M.

UNIVERSITY BAPTIST CHURCH

6465 BABCOCK ROAD

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78249

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests contributions be made to your charity of choice to support your local community and churches. Or if you’re able to take a family member out for a treat, that was Grandpa Clarence’s favorite activities.