Peter Clopton, Sr.

The Exemplary Life of Peter Clopton, Sr. Peter Clopton, Sr., lovingly known as Pete, was the eighth of thirteen children born to Willie and Annie Shanklin Clopton on April 16, 1940, in Memphis, Tennessee. His Parents, five Sisters and six Brothers preceded him in death. Pete was educated in the Chicago Public School system. Thanks to his God-given thought process, exceptional knack for numbers, and love of reading, Pete excelled against the odds. In May 1963, Pete joined the United States Armed Forces, enlisting in the Army. He served in Fort Carson, Colorado as a Hospital Attendant. Because of his tall stature (5’11”) and foreboding presence, a military leader asked him to join the Army’s Basketball Team. This afforded him the privilege to proudly represent the Army and officially exempted him from mundane and unappealing tasks. Pete was honorably discharged in May 1965. Pete married the former Gloria Bins and together they adopted a bouncing baby boy. Of course, the proud parents named him Peter Clopton, Jr. Petey, as he was affectionately known, departed for Heaven in December 2006. In 1975, he met Linda H. Lowe. In 1976, they welcomed their precious baby girl, Tasha Lynette. They married on October 28, 1978 with their Parents, Maid of Honor Carolyn, Best Man Willie, and two Children as loving witnesses. Pete was a hard-worker and happily sacrificed for his family. He worked in various roles, including a cook, an ink maker, order-filler, and finally as a custodian. Pete proudly served at Betsy Ross Elementary School and Farren-Beasley Child Parent Center, where he was fondly known by all as Mr. Pete. He retired in 2004 from the Chicago Public Schools. In addition to being a hard worker, Pete enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. Yet, there was one exception - vehicles. Pete was a car connoisseur. Upon his retirement and after years of driving what he called “half-a-rides,” Pete purchased the first luxury car that he didn’t have to share with Linda and Tasha. Pete insisted that his favorite girls drive “what you want” because “sometimes you gotta be good to yourself!” Each happily obliged. Pete excelled in many hobbies. You’ve missed out if you’ve never had his cooking, especially his fried chicken. If you bowl, perhaps you’ve had the experience of him making you look foolish on the lanes. He bowled twice a week on two different teams. Maybe you’ve had the experience of leaving the Bid Whist table demoralized, while Pete and his partner stayed seated for the night - undefeated. After one nephew kept losing because of his partner's poor play, he summed it up well, “You know what? Go get Uncle Pete!” Family and Friends were of the utmost importance to Pete. He happily helped whenever he could: funding The Shanklin Family Reunion; cutting the lawns of his Sisters; gathering weekly to watch sports and argue with his Brothers; and helping the Friends of his Children. Memorably, after retirement, Uncle Pete began chauffeuring his great nieces and nephews to and from Beasley Academy. Along the way, he introduced them to Motown, the Blues, and when encountering discourteous drivers, colorful language. Pete was a man of few words, but when he spoke, we were compelled to listen! Like his Mother Annie, Pete shared wisdom for every situation and a comforting presence that made everyone around him feel happy, safe and loved. Although not a dancer, Pete loved music, particularly the Blues and soulful R & B. This love of music and his interest in technology prompted him, as a senior in his 70s, to acquire 2 iPods and eventually an iPhone. These devices housed his favorite music including the Motown Sound, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill and Babyface. The Exemplary Life of Peter Clopton, Sr. cannot be adequately summed up here, but his impact lives on in the memories and stories shared by all who were blessed by his presence. If you knew Pete, you can still hear his booming laughter. Pete departed for Heaven on the evening of Tuesday, January 21, 2025, joining his Parents, Son, Brothers and Sisters. Pete leaves to cherish hilarious and blessed memories, his Devoted Wife of 46 years, 2 months and 3 weeks, Linda; his Baby Girl, Tasha; his Granddaughter Shontice; his three Great-Grandsons, Xavier, Kevin & Zakiel; his oldest Sister Marion of Grand Rapids, Michigan; his Sisters-in love: Sheryl (Albert), and Sharon (Lee); his Brother-in-Love, Sherman (Francis); three generations of adoring Nieces and Nephews; three generations of Cousins; and a slew of Friends.

Peter Clopton, Sr.

April 16, 1940 - January 21, 2025