Marion Lafayette Clinkscales

The Electric Life and Legacy of Marion Lafayette Clinkscales

Marion Lafayette Clinkscales was born to Lois and Donald Clinkscales on a beautiful autumn October day in Chicago, Illinois.  The youngest of three, he was affectionately known as "Peewee," "Baby Elvis," "Smokey" and "Mario".  Marion had other colorful nicknames as well.  Like the season of his birth, these names perfectly complemented his mesmerizing and charming personality.

As a kid, Marion was quiet and independent.  He loved music, dancing, playing basketball, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his childhood friends.  Growing up on the West and Southside of Chicago, he was proud to attend Whitney M. Young Magnet High School.  A true example of perseverance, Marion earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University and later fulfilled his dream of earning a master's degree in communications from Purdue University.

Marion was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy.  He honorably served his country for 20 years, achieving the rank of Chief.  Upon retirement, Marion continued dedicating his life to service.  He worked as a Homeless Outreach Coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Indianapolis Regional Office.  His heart for helping Veterans extended well beyond his office hours since Marion truly never passed a person in need.  In early 2022, he retired from the VA after spending more than 36 years in service to his country.

Marion, a fervent believer in Jesus Christ, lived his life with conviction and purpose, always putting God first.  He served at Saint Luke's United Methodist Church and University United Methodist Church where he met his Pastor and Brother, Rev. Dr. Frank Moore.

As a husband, father, and friend, Marion was loving, compassionate, selfless, and suave.  He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need---AND HE HAD A LOT OF SHIRTS.  He was a family man and made countless sacrifices to give his children a better life.  He loved singing, dancing, traveling, and shopping (especially on clearance).  His creative ways of cussing someone out would force you to laugh; a true sailor's mouth as they say.  He was a "Chi-town" man through and through, and the only thing that could compete with his love for the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, and Blackhawks, was any NBA team competing against Lebron James!  His fashion sense was out of this world and he loved modeling for pictures, fashion shows, and being in front of his beloved wife Deborah's camera.  He and his "cosigner" Yorkie, named Missy were inseparable.

Marion's memories will forever live on through his Wife, Deborah McCloud-Clinkscales; Children :Nolan Clinkscales, Nikeitha McCloud, Stephon McCloud, Whitney Clinkscales, William Clinkscales (Danielle), Donovan Clinkscales; Mother, Lois Clinkscales; Sister, Lanair Clinkscales; Mother-in-law, Mary Walker; Grand daughers; Mireya Lovelife, and Baby Clinkscales who is on the way; Brothers-in-law: Andre Walker, Dwayne Walker: Sister-in-law: Paula Walker, DeLana Henry; Nieces and Nephews: Tory Woodgett, Qiana Bishop, Eugene Gosby III, Shatae Gosby ( Braiana), Navaeh Clinkscales, Andre Walker Jr., Gabrielle Perkins (Deron), Arielle Walker; Dejazmin James, and a host of extended family and friends.

Marion was preceded in death by his Son, Donovan Clinkscales; Brother, Donald Clinkscales Jr; Father, Donald Clinkscales; Grandparents, Arlene and Randolph Mannings; Bertil and Clarence Clinkscales; Sister-in-law, Jane Walker; and his dog Missy Buttercup Clinkscales.

Marion was a beautiful person inside and out.  His laughter and humor was electric and contagious.  He cared so deeply for the people around him and his impact on so many lives will endure.  He will be forever missed.  Until we meet again, "Fair Winds and Following Seas."

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation in memory of Marion Clinkscales: Helping Veterans and Families at: https://www.hvafofindiana.org/donate or The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at http://www.theaftd.org .

Services will be live streamed.  To view please Click Here .