Dr. Henri "Hal" Clarke
Dr. Henri “Hal” Clarke, 87, of Beaumont was born on August 13, 1933, in Waycross, Georgia, to Valeria Burnet and Albertus Moore Clarke.
After growing up a typical southern boy in a small town, Hal went off to Sewanee, Tennessee, where he attended The University of the South, graduating in 1954. He was a member of SAE fraternity and the Order of Gownsmen. He then obtained his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia, graduating in 1958 as a member of Phi Rho Sigma Medical fraternity. It was during his internship at the University of Virginia, where he met the love of his life and convinced her to marry him as he started his OBGYN residency at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
During their residency, they were blessed with their first son, Blair. Upon completion of his residency Hal discovered Beaumont and began his OBGYN practice just as son number two, Todd, came along. Two years later, he was drafted into the Air force and took his new family to Patrick, Air force base in Cocoa Beach, Florida where they watched from the beach the NASA missions. After his tour, he returned to Beaumont where he was able to truly dive into the community, his practice, and his church, serving as senior warden on the vestry at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. Hal enjoyed classical music and loved to attend Beaumont’s symphony. He even served on its board for many years. Hal was blessed with so many wonderful patients. Work was never “work,” it was a privilege. Even as a busy physician, he and his “better half” guided the “boys” through All Saints Episcopal School, Marshall Jr High, and Forest Park Highschool.
Once the “boys” were away to college, Betty and Hal spent time truly enjoying each other; traveling throughout the world, seeing shows, playing golf, as well as enjoying wonderful times and travels with their lifelong friends.
As their sons returned to Beaumont with their families, a new era began as “B” and “Doc” entertained the grandchildren with overnight stays, competitive games of Mexican train, chocolate shakes, and diggity Hot dogs. Zach, Caroline, Hannah, and Blair were blessed with having their beloved grandparents at all their athletic events and other functions. The outpouring of condolences, thoughts, and prayers has been incredible and would have been all too embarrassing for this gentle, humble, kind, and thoughtful man. He was truly one of the greatest, and a true Southern Gentleman. A finer physician, a finer man, a finer husband, and a finer father does not exist. But as he would say, he was the lucky one and it was his “cup that runneth over.”
Survivors include his wife of sixty years, Betty Clarke; son, Frederick “Blair” Clarke and his wife, Tressa, and Burnet “Todd” Clarke and his wife, Crissy; grandchildren, Zach Clarke and his wife, Victoria; and Caroline Clarke; Hannah Clarke; and Blair Clarke, Jr.; brother, Heyward Clarke and his wife, Ann; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother.
A gathering of Dr. Clarke’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23, 2020, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A private family service will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. The service may be viewed any time after 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 25, 2020, at https://www.facebook.com/Broussards1889/. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions for Dr. Clarke may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77701; Gift of Life, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706; or Anayat House, P.O. Box 5934 Beaumont, Texas 77726.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
Video
A Gathering of Dr. Clarke's Family and Friends
A Gathering of Dr. Clarke's Family and Friends
- 2000 mcfaddin street beaumont tx 77701
- 08/23/2020
- 11:16 pm
Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
Broussard's Mortuary - McFaddin Avenue
- 2000 mcfaddin avenue beaumont tx 77701
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Comments
Lou Scofield
Every person touched by Hal was affected by his kindness, decency, and uplifting spirit. He was a gift to all who knew him, and a gentle example of how to live, approach, and enjoy life. God bless his sweet soul, and grant comfort to his family, and everyone who loved this fine man.
Barbara Broussard
A dear manâ¤ï¸ He was loved and respected by many. God Bless him and his wonderful family
Deborah Laird Walker/Wayne Walker
I was so sad to hear of Dr. Clarke's passing. I will always cherish the times I worked with him in Surgery at St. Elizabeth. He was one of the kindest and sweetest surgeons I have ever worked with. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. I know he will be greatly missed.
Jon
Jon and I are terribly sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Michele A. Moore
This gentleman was my first gynecologist. He was absolutely the epitome of a gentleman and was so caring he would talk to me for a long time...always. What a wonderful human being. May his family find comfort at this time as we all pray for this wonderful man. Heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Sydney L Matthews
My Friend, My Doctor XOXO
karen donley baker
Dr. Clarke delivered my son 46 years ago. He was such a sweet man, always patting you on the shoulder and being so kind. I know he will be missed by his family. Prayers of comfort for his family.
Carol Andrus
There will never be another Dr. Clarke, ever. As a patient and former employee, I know this to be a fact. Dr. Clarke was always a true southern gentleman. He was always a delight to work for as he truly cared for each and every patient. Dr. Clarke will be missed by all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him. My prayers for Mrs. Betty, their sons, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. Rest in peace with God forever.
Liz Sandell
Dearest Betty, I wish I could be there for you like you and Hal were for me when I lost Jerry. When you heart starts to mend, reflect back on the best years of your life was spent with an incredible man. Dr. Clarke leaves this world a better place because of all the joy he brought young expecting mothers. Prayers are spoken for your boys and grandchildren., and may Hal have eternal rest and peace.
Pam Edwards
Loved this man. Best OB Dr. He delivered both of my sons. He was always so kind and sweet to me. He helped me thru pregnancy and surgery. Such a gentleman!
Penne Wilson Stafford
What a dear man.. I began babysitting for Hal and Betty Clark when I was about 12 years old. He was always so sweet, kind and such a gentleman. He will be missed...
brenda petkovsek-bean
iI'M SO SORRY TO HERE OF DR CLARK PASSING ,. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY
Betsy Burns
Never a better doctor or a man! He was my doctor for many years and he delivered my daughter. He was always so kind and patient with his patients.
mary ledyard
Betty, David and I send lots of love and prayer to you, the boys and grandchildren. Hal was one of the finest, kindest, men I ever met. A gentle giant of a man. He delivered my three children and sat with me on a Saturday for twelve hours during a delivery we knew was not going to have a happy ending. Not many doctors would do that. Hal has a chunk of my heart. Hal will be greatly missed by all those who had the honor of knowing him.
Gary George
So sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to the Family.
Randy Trahan
Dear Betty, Todd and Blair...my deepest sympathy to all of you. Hal was such a wonderful man. He will be truly missed.
Jane and Ian Angel
Remembering Dr. Clarke who was always kind and encouraging, He was a true Gentleman!!
Charles and Lorraine Cappel
Prayers for your family Blair and Tressa in your sorrow for losing such a wonderful family member.
Michael Truncale
Denise and I extend our deepest sympathy to the Clark family. Dr. Clark was a fine, Christian gentleman who made a remarkable contribution to the community.
Carol Parker
I’m so sorry and sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Clarke. I couldn’t agree more with all the wonderful comments that have already been shared. It’s hard to express anything new or different regarding this fine man. Wishing his family peace and prayers during this time. Carol and Paul Parker
Stan and Jeanette Davis
What a gift this entire family is to all that have had the pleasure to know. When Stan and I first found out we were having our first child we called Stan's parents in Iowa who had a good friend that was a Dr. Much to our favor and surprise, the friends were Dr. and BettyClarke. They highly recommended him to be our OBGYN. Dr. Clarke delivered our first child 46 years ago and no matter where our paths crossed he always asked about Clay. His family is a true tribute to his caring personality.. Our prayers are for comfort as you remember him, but know. that few people leave an impact on lives as he did. Know that our thoughts, prayers and love are with you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with so many!!
Rhonda Hawkins-Benoit
Such a sad day! My mother was one of Dr. Clarke’s first pt.’s when he came to town in the early 60’s, and years later he delivered both of my boys. As an Ob-gyn nurse, working with him was an absolute pleasure. He was loved by so many! Prayers for the family..
Darlene Hall
After cutting Hals hair since 1968,I have never had such a kinder customer,a very classy gentleman . Will miss his friendship. Gary and Darlene Hall
Susan Beavers
This sweet gentleman delivered my firstborn child 49 years ago. He stayed at the hospital through my entire labor and delivery. Years later, I was pregnant and had a slight problem. He came to the emergency room to take care of me himself. He amazed me because he always recognized me no matter where I was and could remember details about me. He personally called me after work hours to give me the results of every test. I always felt like I was special to him until I spoke to a friend and he treated her the same way. He treated everyone like they were special. When I saw him a few years ago I complimented him and his reply was that he was simply fortunate enough to work during the golden age of medicine. He was such an humble man that spent his life serving others.
Don Webb
A class act he was .can’t say enough good things about him.Condolences to the family .
John H. Fears
What a sad day when I heard of Dr. Clarkes passing. But what a glorious day for him being received in Gods open arms!! Hal was a special person who touched everyones life that he met. No one person can ever say enough great things to signify his life. He will be missed, but remembered forever in our hearts and memories. May you find comfort in knowing that there is a special place for him in heaven and in every persons heart here on earth!! My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. God bless....
Barbara Warren
Hal Clark was an exquisite human being. Every time I saw him my life was blessed by his extraordinary quiet kindness and respect. As a patient I had the experience of being treated as if I were his only patient and I know all his patients felt the same way. In his obituary his family stated there there has been no finer physician, man, husband and father as he has been. That descriptive can be printed in capital letters, bold type and underlined in adequately summarizing a man of Dr. Clark's elegance, kindness and accomplishment. His legacy will forever be live in the lives he touched.. There is magic in the photo with his obituary. It is such a beautiful representation of his personality. Looking at it I feel his presence..
Barney Hammer
I got to know Hal as a member of the Thurs. Morning Breakfast at St. Marks and particularly his lessons there. A finer gentleman is nowhere to be found-,we. miss him!
Felecia Caywood Colton
Dr. Clarke was such a sweet and gentle man. He delivered my first born in 1984. I could not have asked for a better physician. He was a great asset to our community. He will be missed by all!
Eddie Collins
I just heard about Dr. Clarke’s passing today. What a fine Christian, doctor, husband, father, and friend. He took care of my mother and sisters which was quite a job in itself and was always gracious, kind, and humble. Condolences to the family and he will be missed. I know Hal was greeted by the Lord with a well done good and faithful servant.
Christi Brown
Precious Hal Clarke was a gentle and remarkable man. His loss is keenly felt by many people, including me and Adin. The video is perfect...thank you for putting it together. Betty, Todd, Blair and your beautiful families - we are praying that the Lord will comfort your hearts as only He can.
Kevin Kunz
Dr Clarke was always enjoyable to do business with. He had a good wit and manor about him. Sympathy goes out to the family. He will be missed.
Ted Moor
Dr. Clarke was a kind and generous man that I always looked up to. Even as a little kid, Dr. Clarke would always come up to me after church and ask how I was doing. Other people would also visit with me, but Dr. Clarke seemed to really care and took an interest in what I had to say. I always looked forward to visiting with him no matter where I saw him, or what I was doing. I will always remember how kind and caring he was. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like him...
Diane Cannon
What a great man and the best doctor ever! I went to him over 30 years!
Chris Wilson
It was a pleasure to get to know Hal and Betty through the Duke OB-GYN Department's Bayard Carter Society. He was always such a gentleman and a role model to younger physicians. Carol and I send our condolences.
Becky & Rodney Ames
What a loss, a special/kind gentleman and a great neighbor. Will miss our interaction. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the family.
I am so sorry I did not hear Dr Clark had passed until today. I will not forget his kindness to me professionally and the example of tender care he set for all of us.