Rev. Clark Llewellyn

Rev. Clark E. Llewellyn, (Pastor Clark or ‘PC’) 74, of Channahon and formerly of Jacksonville, entered eternity Friday, January 29, 2021. He was born in Chicago on February 2, 1946 to the late Adeline Josephine Blackabee (nee Clark) and John Earl Llewellyn. The family relocated to the Pittsburgh, PA area where Clark attended Bethel Park High School and forged a reputation as having a sharp mind and a talent as a wordsmith. These gifts led to numerous honors including national recognition for his accomplishments, both as an individual, and as a member of the High School Debate Team. He attended LeHigh University for one year and then placed his education on hold to join the U.S. Navy where he served as a Sonarman 1st class. It was during his time stationed in Key West, Florida that he began corresponding with his future wife of 48 years, Martha Lynn (nee Gedye) who passed on April 26, 2016. They married and he finished his education. Upon graduating from The Ohio State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering he took a job with the Ford Motor Company and rose quickly as an administrator. Within two years he felt the call of God on his life and the Llewellyns moved to Louisville, KY where he would study at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to become a pastor. Choosing to leave just a class short of completing his Master of Divinity, he was compelled to enter the mission field. The next two decades he served as a home missionary and church planter for the Illinois Baptist State Association and as founding pastor at both Woodson Baptist Church and Beth-El Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He assisted local communities in planting new churches became a mentor to scores of men entering the ministry. In 1999 he relocated to become pastor at Curtis Avenue Baptist Church in Joliet. In 2001 he joined the pastoral staff at Families of Faith Church in Channahon where he would continue his career. It was there, that 4 years after losing Martha, he met and fell for Patricia (formerly Warcholek) who became his partner in ministry and life. They married on March 15, 2020. A faithful servant and steward of His gifts, he continued to exhort and uplift giving his final sermon one day before he passed. Pastor Clark leaves behind a legacy through men he mentored and his beloved family. He is survived by his wife Patricia Llewellyn and her family who embraced him and who he came to love much in a short period of time. In addition to his wife, he leaves behind 3 sons from his 48 years with Martha, Pastor Randy Blan (Karen) and Moriah (whom he loved like a daughter) of Channahon, Aaron Llewellyn (Hattie) of New Berlin and Benjamin Llewellyn (Maria) of Jacksonville. Two siblings and numerous nieces and nephews survive him. His sister, Sue Curtis (& Matt) of Troy OH, he loved very much. His brother John Earl Llewellyn (& Carol) of Beverly, OH he admired and held as one of his closest friends. His grandchildren, Isabella Grace “Scooter”, Anna, J.R., Eden, Elliott, and Emelia were a source of joy for him. But his connection with Isabella Grace whose daily conversations sustained him through rough waters, created a deep love between them that will always remain. A faithful witness to Christ’s love and redemption, Pastor Clark left an indelible mark as an example of sacrifice and servanthood on those with whom he came into contact. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 5th from 10am-1pm followed immediately by a memorial service at Families of Faith Church, 24466 W. Eames St., Channahon, IL 60410. Visitation will also be held at Island Grove United Methodist Church in New Berlin on Saturday, February 6th from 10am-noon. Graveside services will immediately follow at Woodwreath Cemetery, New Berlin. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Families of Faith or FOFCA (fofmin.org)