Obituary of Wellington "Clark" Engel

Wellington "Clark" Engel, 77, of Mansfield, PA, passed away on August 20, 2018 at his home. Clark was born in Coffeyville, KS to Waldron and Gatha (Wynkoop) Engel on March 28, 1941. Never will you meet a man who more faithfully lived his values. A trait he would say he came by honestly and was rooted in his mid-western upbringing. He fulfilled every obligation he ever undertook. His word was his bond, and everyone knew it. He believed deeply in reciprocity and passed that value on to his children. Clark was proud to be an educator. He retired after thirty years from Mansfield University where he taught in the Department of Mathematics. To his children he was a teacher of all things. His method was simple. He taught by example. At any age, when faced with an ethical dilemma, after reflection, study, or even rationalization, we found ourselves coming back to one simple question. What would dad do? His teachings are endless and his character is the foundation of our conscience. Clark would tell you he was just a "poor old farm boy" from Kansas, but relished the good things in life including art and music, travel and photography, food and wine. Clark was renowned for his cooking and baking skills. He was especially fond of introducing others to the gooseberry, native to his home state, and was a baker of gooseberry pies like no others could be. In recent years he enjoyed perfecting his baking prowess each Tuesday as he and his dear friend Ralph alternated hosting "dessert night." Clark had a quiet dignity, respecting himself the way he respected others. As he faced his final days, he occasionally lost his good humor. But he never had one moment of self-pity. His concern and limitless love he had for his family and friends was always foremost in his thoughts. The day before he passed when asked how he was doing, he gave the same answer he gave every day. I'm ok. How are you? Memorial service will be held at Buckheit Funeral Chapel on Thursday, August 23 at 5:00 with visitation being held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. Buckheit Funeral Chapel will be handling the funeral arrangements. Clark is survived by his daughters Mindy Engel Hoffmann (Dan Hoffmann), Corning, NY and Wendy Hileman (Dane), Manchester, N.H. He is also survived by his grandchildren Courtney Riseborough (John Johnson), Philadelphia, PA; Zachary and Noah Hileman, Manchester, NH. Additionally, Clark is survived by his long-time companion, Winnie Neff; dear friend and former wife, Sharon (Hodson) Engel; sister-in-law Donna Engel, nephew Tom (Christy) Engel; niece Christina Slaton (Donnie) and several great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Waldron and Gatha (Wynkoop) Engel and brother, Wayne "Bud" Engel. Memorial donations may be made to the Mansfield Food Pantry, 771 Lot 1 Lambs Creek Road Mansfield, PA, Mansfield Free Public Library, 71 N. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933 or the Winifred Neff Endowed Scholarship fund at the Mansfield Foundation, 71 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com