Cletus Clark

American guitarist and teacher and received many honors for his contributions in the gospel and country music fields. Born on July 9, 1916 in Lorentz, Tennessee Died on Friday, May 13, 2011, in Reedley, Ca. at age 94. He was the manager of The Churchmen (from California). Father of bassist [a1933124]. He attended the Vaughn School of Music at Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. He worked with V.O. Stamps in the printing plant, and in concert work out of Dallas, Texas. Later, he joined Wally Fowler in their "all night sings" in Nashville. Cletus served as an evangelist in the east and then after moving to California. He worked with several quartets in the Los Angeles area before moving to Fresno. Besides working the the "Gospelaires", Cletus also taught guitar at Gospel Music and Supply, Co. Cletus and his wife Lois had 6 children, including 2 daughters who married Churchmen members:Jacquelyn is Mrs.Jim Coker and Cletta is Mrs.Wayne Stillwell. Jacquelyn was a former member of the Jim Coker trio. Wayne’s wife Cletta is a former member of the Jim Coker trio and the Melodyaires. Cletus recorded at least one solo 45 on Gospel record label -- "Lion of Judah Bound for the Promised Land" b/w "Glory to His Name the Old Rugged Cross" (349-A and B). The Churchmen were sometimes referred to as Cletus Clark's Churchmen. He was inducted in the Clovis Hall of Fame in 2005 and founded the Central Valley Guitar Society in 2003.