Clarence Brinkley, 81, of Haywood, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, at his home in Haywood.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, October 20, at 1:00 p.m. at the Haywood Baptist Church with Rick Dominic officiating, assisted by Darren Schoggins.  Burial will follow at Arpelar Cemetery.  Pallbearers are Rodney Brinkley, Derek Brinkley, Jerry Mincher, Jonathan O'Dell, Tim Reid, and Jeff Osborne.  Honorary pallbearers ae the men of the Haywood Baptist Church.

Clarence Brinkley was born on August 21, 1942 in Fletcher, Oklahoma to Margaret Sawyer, and was raised by his mother, Margaret Marie Sawyer and step-father, David Fletcher.  On September 3, 1959 he married Bernice Martin at Cache, Oklahoma. He was a pastor for 44 years and pastored churches in Helena, Oklahoma, Ft. Supply, Oklahoma, Haywood, and Kiowa.  He loved his Lord, his family, his church, and his community.  He had a special place in his heart for children.  He drove a school bus for Haywood Public School for many years because of the opportunity it gave him to be involved in the lives of children in the community.  He started bible Safari at the Haywood Baptist Church in 1990, and the program is still running strong today.  He loved taking children and young people to church camp.  He attended these camps for over 50 years as a sponsor or pastor.

Clarence is survived by 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Lynn and Lea Ann Brinkley of Sitka, AK, and Terry and Stacie Brinkley of Haywood; grandchildren, Rodney Brinkley and Randi, Derek Brinkley and Stacey, Melissa Brinkley, Robin Brinkley and Justin Gauchat; great grandchildren, Autumm, Emilee, Laramee, Maisy, Lily, Ty, Tucker, Ryker, Jeremiah, Jackson, Ravin, Kordon, Kristyn, and Triston; a brother and sister-in-law, Freddy Fletcher and Debbie; a sister and brother-in-law, Debbie Chandler and Cecil; brothers-in-law, Marion Martin and Donna, Donnie Martin and Janice, Jerry Martin and Debbie, Glenn Fowler, and Mack McKnight; 2 sisters-in-law, Sue Whaley and Jane Pearl; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernice; a brother, David Fletcher, Jr.; a sister, Barbara McKnight; brothers-in-law, Kenton White, Vernon Whaley, and David Pearl; and sisters-in-law, Shirley White, Louise Fowler, and Geneva Martin.