Eugene Calvin Clingman

Eugene Calvin Clingman Sr. passed away in Ozark, Missouri, just twelve days shy of his 98th birthday. While he fell short of his goal of reaching 100—as well as the 99½ years achieved by two siblings—he did beat his father’s 91 years. Born to Arthur Henry and Cora May Clingman in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Eugene spent his youth there, where he performed as a drummer in the school band, before moving to South Gate, California, during his senior year of high school.

Around 1950, Eugene served in the California National Guard, working in a logistics warehouse reclaiming World War II-era equipment. He later became a Doctor of Chiropractic, proudly following a deep family tradition; his father, mother, two uncles, and an aunt all graduated from the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1917. Gifted with a versatile entrepreneurial spirit, Eugene also built successful careers as a contractor, mortgage broker, and real estate broker.

Eugene was the youngest of his siblings, preceded by Verna, Laurence, Lloyd, and Warren. His roots in America ran remarkably deep. His great-great-great-grandfather, Capt. John Michael Clingman, served in the Revolutionary War, and his great-great-grandfather, Pvt. George Washington Clingman, served in the War of 1812. (Family records identify George’s brother as the Jacob Clingman who was central to the Alexander Hamilton affair with Maria Reynolds in 1792. Maria famously hired Aaron Burr as her divorce attorney in 1793 and, in 1795, Jacob married Maria.)

Eugene’s grandfather, Pvt. Henry Clay Clingman, served in the Union Army during the Civil War and stood guard at the State House during President Abraham Lincoln's funeral. This extensive history was documented by Eugene's sister, Verna, who published a family genealogical book. His family has continued this military legacy with Eugene's son serving in the Navy, a grandson in the Army, and a granddaughter in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Outside of his professional life, Eugene was a long-time Ham Radio operator (W6GOF) and involved in his community through the Rancho Bernardo Chamber of Commerce and the Poway Pony Club. He spent his final year and a half at the Ozark Baptist Home, where he was beloved as a friendly, outgoing man who frequently sang in the mornings and generously gave away his Bingo winnings. During this time, Eugene professed a Christian faith that brought him profound peace and assurance as he approached the end of his journey.

Eugene was married to and later divorced Dorothea Marie, with whom he shared four children: Eugene Jr., David, Richard Sr., and Deborah. He later married Frances Jean, who remained his devoted wife until her passing in 2016; together, they raised Karina, Thomas, Amanda, and Carina. Following Frances’ death,

Eugene moved to New Hampshire to be near Carina, where he met his dear companion, Eunice Ann. In 2018, Eugene and Eunice relocated to Vista, California, near his son Richard Sr., later moving with him to Springfield, and ultimately, Nixa, Missouri, where Eunice passed away in 2025.

Eugene was preceded in death by Dorothea Marie, Frances Jean, and Eunice Ann, as well as his children Eugene Jr., Thomas, Amanda, and Deborah. He is survived by his children Karina, David, Richard Sr., and Carina, along with an abundance of cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of an immediate public memorial, a family reunion has been arranged by his son, Richard Sr. A Celebration of Life for Eugene will be held in Branson, Missouri, on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with lunch to follow. Members of the public wishing to attend may contact Richard at memorial@richclingman.com.