Maurice Noel Clopton

Maurice Noel Clopton, 94, passed away March 12, 2019, following a brief illness. He was born Aug. 23, 1924 in Aurora, to William Thomas and Bessie Noel Clopton. A graduate of Aurora High School, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in music from Drury University and a masters of sacred music from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Clopton served in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in the south Pacific and served a portion of his duty as a chaplain’s assistant.
He married Charlotte Louise McClure in 1946 in Drury University’s Stone Chapel. They were married for 57 years until she preceded him in death in 2003. Together they made a musical team as they ministered in Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri. Initially, he served churches in Okmulgee and Shawnee, Oklahoma. In 1954 he became Minister of Music at Cliff Temple Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, serving in that role until 1971. He subsequently served the Cockrell Hill Baptist Church in Dallas, the First Baptist Church of Clinton, Temple Baptist Church in Springfield and the Nixa Christian Church in Nixa. He was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1976. An accomplished baritone soloist, Clopton was a charter member of “The CenturyMen,” a select auditioned group of 100 ministers of music formed by the Southern Baptist Convention in 1969.  During those years the CenturyMen performed all across the United States and internationally including in China and Russia. Clopton remained an active member of the group until his retirement.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Clopton was preceded in death by: brothers, Tom and Dan Clopton; and sisters, Mary Eubanks and Eloise Ewing.
Funeral services were held March 18 at 3 p.m. in University Heights Baptist Church in Springfield.  Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery prior to the service.  Visitation will be at the church following the service.
Memorials may be made to the National Christian Foundation for the benefit of Mountain Calling Ministry (Fund #1872490), 11625 Rainwater Drive, Suite 500, Alpharetta, GA 30009,  or the University Heights Baptist Church in Springfield.

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Lawrence County Record

312 S. Hickory St.
Mt. Vernon, MO, 65712
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