David Odell Clevenger

On October 24, 1964, David Odell Clevenger burst into the world, full of curiosity, stubbornness, and joy. David was a beloved son, brother, husband, and father. “He was a person of conviction and embodied the goal of sacrificing for what he believed. When he felt he was called by God, he answered as best as he could. It is difficult to know that he is gone, and it saddens me that I feel his strengths were often underutilized” (Peter Clevenger). Sadly, on September 5, 2024, David quietly slipped away from this world at the age of 59 years old.

David is survived by: Stanley Clevenger, Annette Clevenger, Ann Marie Bernick, Ayla Braley Bell, Peter-Ryan Clevenger, Thaddeus Clevenger, H. Mirabel Allison, Sasha Gupta, and Zephan Clevenger.

Growing up in a military family, David was able to explore the unique culture of Germany, small farm town life in Kansas, and Alaska’s Land of the Midnight Sun. Many fond memories were created for David in Alaska, and he often dreamed of returning for its beauty, peace, and long summer days. Through diversity, his days of youth taught him the importance of comradery, respect, and staying open to change.

When of age, David attended and graduated college from Wayland Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies. For years David continued his education, earning a master’s degree in religion from Southern Adventist University and a master’s degree in genealogy from online education. He was an extremely intelligent man, Thaddeus admires, “a man who loved history and studying where we came from, as well as how we got here. Conducting genealogical research for nearly 3 decades, he taught me the value of history and learning from the past, both ours and others. He showed me how we can make a lasting impact on the world and mold a better future for our children through our actions.” Thaddeus plans to honor his father by memorializing their genealogical accomplishments. “I will greatly miss him and the conversations we had about the effects on history our family has had over the generations.”

Alongside pursuing education, David committed himself to the US Navy and ranked as an E5 Religious Program Specialist, Chaplain’s Assistant. For almost 4 years, he was stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corp Base. While there, David diligently pursued his soul’s purpose by dedicating his heart and time ministering to the people.

During his first years stationed in Hawaii, Ayla Braley Bell and David united in marriage. They reached a milestone of 30+ years in forgiveness, loyalty, and love. Ayla best remembers David as “a unique, traditional, and nostalgic romantic who possessed many gifts and talents. He was an excellent evangelist Bible teacher, animated storyteller, and children loved him as the Jolly Santa Claus. David and family enjoyed mini golf, bowling, and Saturday night Game Nights”.

Ayla and David went on to create a life in the ministry, and a family with 5 children: Peter, Thaddeus, Mirabel, Sasha, and Zephan. Many days as a family were spent on art, cooking, football, fishing off the pier in Biloxi, celebrating holidays and birthdays with a flare, teaching the beauty of other cultures, encouraging devotion to God, bowling, mini golf, traveling where God led him, and working together as a family team unit.

 Sasha fondly recalled, “the most memorable times I had with dad were when we’d watch football together or holiday movies. He was really a very jolly man during the holidays, and we always had such a fun time. I will forever cherish the memories we’ve had in the past.” Zephan added on, “Dad had a big personality and left an impression on so many people, especially us kids. I will always remember how our family traveled around the United States with Dad, who was an evangelist for the gospel with the Seventh-Day Adventist church. No matter the hardship, we were together, and God always provided. Praise God for the ministry and sacrifice that dad gave at different times of his life, which made a lasting impact on me.”

By mid-life, David is survived by 13 grandchildren: Leonidas, Eli, Syrus, Allison, Dale, Noah-Samuel, Dante, Rebecca, Micah, Zelda, Ezra, Arik, and Isaac. “Some of my best memories with my father were watching him become a grandparent. He adored each one of the children. I admired his love for their growth, laughter with him, and their ability to learn from him,” Mirabel reminisces. “He and I enjoyed food, art, and music. We always wanted to create the perfect recipe. When young, dad and I made all the holiday pies, every year. Each pie received its own crust design and flavor. We’d play music on the old record player as sweet and spicy aromas warmed the kitchen air. Nothing could feel better than that. After, we would hand them out to our neighborhood and churches with holiday cards. He taught me the joy of giving without expecting anything in return, and the importance of a good pie.”

Although too young to leave this world behind, David Odell Clevenger’s parents, sister, children, grandchildren, cousins, and all the lives he touched and changed, will remember.

~Your memory, ministry, and legacy will Endure~ James 2:26

Floral Arrangements and Respects should be directed to: Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home Pass Road Chapel

Care of:   David Odell Clevenger 2511 Pass Rd. Biloxi, MS 39531

Recommended Florist:   Sadie Jane’s     P: 228-209-9976

Services will be held Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home Pass Road Chapel for 1:00pm.

Friends and family may visit at 12:00pm Friday, September 20, 2024 at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Pass Road in Biloxi.

Interment immediately following at the Biloxi National Cemetery at 2:30pm.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of David Clevenger.