James Clark Havenor died peacefully May 1, 2018 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in the gentle care of Visiting Nurses Hospice. Clark was a sweet soul with a loving family, and is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ann, his children, Warren and Debra, and their families. Other survivors include his sister, Jan, and her family, and many friends.
Clark was born Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1933, to Harold and Elsie Havenor in Moberly, Missouri. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood riding his bike and being with his friend Jack and the Palmer kids next door. He grew up to be a proud graduate of Moberly High School, Moberly Junior College, and the University of Missouri. Following service in the U.S. Army, Clark began a 30-year career with the Social Security Administration in Kansas City, MO and Ottawa, KS, among others. Dad was proud as a retiree to have worked as a driver for area social service agencies.
Dad’s great passions in life were classical music, particularly opera, and the railroads in our country. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of both of these topics. Dad was so devoted to his family, both near and far, and was committed to his church and faith. We will miss his gentle humor and his smile, but we will see him again. His motto would be: Love your family, love God, and always take the road that goes by the railroad tracks.
Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at the First Baptist Church in Lawrence. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the church.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the First Baptist Church or the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
