Charles Edward Clarke was born in Beaumont, Texas to parents Jack (Dudley) and Eva Clarke. He was raised in multiple cities throughout Texas, and graduated from Conroe High School in 1948. Upon graduation, he continued his education at Baylor University, receiving his first Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies and History in 1955. While attending University, he accepted a call to ministry at First Baptist Church of Conroe in 1949.

Charles' ministry career later took him to Hampton Road Baptist Church, and in 1960 he accepted a position on the Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Settling in Utah, he founded Southern Baptist Church in Sandy and attended the University of Utah, where he received Bachelor's Degrees in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Biblical History, as well as a Master of Arts in Psychology. In 1989, he received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Religion from Bethany Bible College in Dothan, Alabama, graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving a certificate of honor in recognition of scholastic achievement.

In 1974, Charles established the Bible Church of Salt Lake, emphasizing in his sermons the importance of understanding the original contexts in which the Holy Bible was written, and teaching educational classes on Greek and Hebrew languages.

In addition to being well-loved by his congregations and the lives of those he touched in ministry, Charles was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. In 1955, he married Mary Ann Richardson. In their 22 years together, they raised four children.

Charles was remarried in 1978 to the love of his life, Patricia Julia Pyper. He lived out his remaining 46 years with her by his side, enjoying oil painting, reading, listening to music, martial arts, fishing and hunting, gardening, and above all pursuing the Lord.

Charles' legacy request was for the members of the Bible Church of Salt Lake to carry on his love for the Lord to its members, old and new. The Deacons of the church will continue playing recorded sermons every Sunday from 10:00AM to 12:00PM, and Wednesdays at 6:30. You can also listen to past teachings by dialing in at 712-832-8700; Code: 618-845.

Charles is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Clarke, and children Crysta (Mark) Ellet, Charles Bradley (Jan) Clarke, Scott Edward Clarke, Sean (Katie) Rasmussen, and Angie (Scott) Helmintoller, as well as 21 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. A special thank you to Charles and Patricia's niece and nephew, Luke and Shawnda Gillespie for their unwavering support and faithful care.

A service will be held at Wing Mortuary, 118 E. Main Street, Lehi, Utah on Monday, January 20th at 2:00PM. Flowers may be sent to the mortuary address, and gifts for the surviving may be sent to Bible Church of Salt Lake: 69 E. Wildflower Ct., Saratoga Springs, UT, 84045.

Upon parting ways, Charles left his friends and family with this message, and may it be true for all who loved him: "Stay Beautiful."