CLUTTER, JOE P.

Joe Paul Clutter, longtime resident of Clarksville, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 13, 2006. He was born December 16, 1918, in Hail, to Edna and Grant Clutter. A childhood full of hardships taught Joe the importance of working hard and never giving up. He helped put himself through Texas A&M University by working in the library for 19 cents an hour. A member of the Corps of Cadets, Joe proudly graduated with a degree in agricultural education in 1941. In 1942, Joe volunteered for the U.S. Marines, where he trained and was promoted to second lieutenant. As a member of the Marine Raiders, he was in the first wave to hit the island of Bougainville and repeatedly risked his life to save his men. Lieutenant Clutter also bravely led his men on the battlefields of Guadalcanal and Guam. After returning back home for six months of recuperation in military hospitals, Joe met the love of his life, Velma Burchfield. It was love at first sight. After only three dates, he bought an engagement ring! Joe and Velma had to wait until after the war to get married and were married on December 22, 1945. Joe worked hard to support his family as a planter and soil scientist for the Soil Conservation Service. He enjoyed working outdoors and helping the farmers and ranchers. Simple things in life brought him pleasure: playing a game of checkers or chess, walking in the woods checking out his pine tree farms, or swimming in the ocean with his swim fins. Throughout his life, Joe had a heart for helping others in need. Whether it was a hitchhiker on the side of the road, a renter who was a year behind in paying his rent, someone who was having a hard time financially, children from Save the Children who needed adopting, or friends who needed to be taken to Paris to the doctor, Joe was always ready to help. For several years, he brought smiles to the faces of residents at nursing homes in Clarksville and Paris. Not only did he take the time to visit with them, but he always made their day by handing out quarters so they could buy snacks. Joe Clutter was a devoted husband and father. His faith in God was evident in the Christian example he set for his family and friends. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Clarksville. Joe Paul Clutter will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Clutter; his father, Grant Clutter; his mother, Edna Clutter; his sister, Zalemah Newcomb; and his younger brother, Grant Clutter. Joe Clutter is survived by one daughter, Annette Childress and her husband, Mike, of Longview; one son, Joe Paul Clutter Jr. and his wife, Kay, of Humble; two grandchildren, Katherine Clutter of Humble, and Casey Childress and his wife, Shanna, of Carthage; two great-grandchildren, Taryn Clutter of Humble, and Jayde Madeline Childress of Carthage; two nephews, William Clutter of Osteen, Florida, and Dwayne Clutter of Pleasant Hill, California; and two nieces, Cindy Clutter of Osteen, Florida, and Brenda Chestnut and her husband, Jeff, of Osteen, Florida. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2006, at First Baptist Church of Clarksville. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery of Clarksville. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, 501 S. Walnut, Clarksville, TX 75426; or to Greater Hospice of Texas, P.O. Box 9725, Longview, TX 75608. The family will receive friends 12:15-1 p.m., Friday, prior to services, at the church.