Allen Harrison Clinkscales, Jr.

So sorry to hear about Mr. Clinkscales passing. He was a great teacher and very warm person who smiled a lot.

I was so sorry to hear that Mr. Clinkscales had died. He was my favorite teacher in high school and I thought of him long after we moved away from Duncan. That voice! I remember the time he sang "Salut, demeure" in class - I'd loved opera for several years by that point, but that totally cemented my preference for French opera.

Music Note in memory of Allen Harrison Clinkscales, Jr.

I am saddened that my high school music teacher has passed away. Mr. Clinkscales was my favorite Duncan High School teacher from 1958-1960 when I lived in Duncan. Mr. Clinkscales took our girls' ensemble to Ada, OK to be on TV one evening. On the way home he had to avoid hitting cows that decided to sit in the middle of the highway. He and I sat next to each other at one of the Public School/Church Choir previewing sessions of choral music at the Tulsa's Said music store after I became a public school music teacher. We had many opportunities in HS to sing solos, participate in small ensembles, sing for school programs/church services/civic groups, go to competitions/State Choir, and sing at OU. I remember several of us HS students going weekly to Duncan Elementary Schools between 1958-1960 to teach music when their schools did not have certified music teachers. RIP, Mr. Clinkscales!

Karen, was so sorry to read about Allen's passing. Prayers are with you and your family. I am so glad I got to work for him and to be with Mozelle too. Allen was great for his students at DHS and they loved to hear him talk about World War II and his experience with Pearl Harbor. He was a good and kink man to all.

Mr. Clink scales was such a good, kind man! I never was talented enough to be in his classes, which made his kindness even more special! Fondly, JanalynJones

Karen, I am so sorry to hear about Allen's death. He was always Greg's favorite uncle......and you know there were lots of uncles! I remember him as always upbeat and happy. And VERY kind. You were lucky to have him as a father. I hope your mother is doing well. I miss Fran and Paul every day. That Harris sisterhood was something else! I do hope that with each day, you are able to dwell more on the happy and fond memories of having such a wonderful father in your life, rather than the painful sadness of having lost him. As he so often made me laugh, he would want to see you smile............ Lisa Borg

Clink made high school bearable for me. His choir was my life and ONLY class that interested me the four years I spent in Ada High with him as my chorus teacher. Clink made us "winners" in all that we did and we rarely lost contests under his guidance. It was a rare thing that all the "jocks" in school joined his men's chorus and mixed choir with enthusiasm and a sense of belonging. He insisted on "perfection" in all that he taught and all we performed. The musicals/operettas we performed were far beyond what high school students normally would be doing. We rose to his occasion and owe him a great deal due to all he instilled in us as his students. A sense of perfection and doing our 'best' leaked out into my every day life and career as a teacher. He was my "mentor" in my own teaching career, and I thank him sincerely for Impacting my life as he did. The world was a better place with "Clink" in it. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sammye (Sorells) Goldston

One of the finest teachers I have ever known. About 30 years after graduating from Duncan High School, I was driving and listening to a classical music station which was playing a piece by Vivaldi. It was one we learned in Mr. Clinkscales' Chorus class. To my surprised, I began singing along like I had learned it yesterday. I always admired his love of music and his love of his students. He was a positive influence in my life and the lives of many others.

I remember Mr. Clinkscales very well. I was a part of the DHS "chorus" from 1959-1963. It was always my favorite class. Please know that his life will be continued in the memories of his students. He touched us all and gave us a love a music and has lasted a lifetime. My condolences to Mrs. Clinkscales and the family.

I was so sad to read about this passing. I loved music & that started at a very young age. My mother LaJuana Dove Wagner had also been taught by the wonderful man. He touched bso many lives with his love & dedication of music. He is now leading the heavenly choir. Sing On!! My prayers for his family.

What a treasure he was. He wasn't just our teacher, he was our friend. Will never forget him.

I enjoyed every contact with Allen. He always asked about our daughters who had been in his music class. They loved him, too. He was a lovely man who shared his talent freely.

I loved Mr. Clinkscales. I have such wonderful memories of my time in his classes. He grew my already existing love of music. He added great memories that still make me smile. He stretched me and convinced me to take chances. Mostly, he just helped me enjoy my high school experience. He was fun and funny, and he passed that on to his students. His service to his country and his contribution to the education of so many.....that is a life well-lived and leaves a legacy for generations. I'm so sorry for your loss, but grateful for the way he poured into the lives of all with whom he came into contact.

I hope that Mr Clinkscales Jr. had a full and wonderful life surrounded by loved ones and music. It was an honour to learn about such a great man! Best, Luis B. Santana

DHS 1962 I didn't discover Chorus in school until my Senior year and regreted it. Mr. Clinkscales did more than teach music.

Mr. Clinkscales had a profound effect on my life and, although I didn't realize at the at the time, my life as a teacher. I had always been singing since age two, he helped me to refine and put the expression into my singing. He was a fountain of patience. I don't know how he did it,but he was able to reach out and coax out of all us beautiful music. God blessed him with a talent and he passed the love of music to all his students. Thank you for sharing him with us. Mercedes Durham Class of 55 at Ada High School

Allen Clinkscales, "Clink", was a most remarkable man. Music, of course, was his passion, but he was also an historian, a bird watcher, a man for all seasons as his curiosity and intellect reflected. He was a true Renaissance man. Clink was a wonderful teacher as well, but his gift was making everyone feel included and necessary. He will be missed. He cannot be replaced.

Too many memories to share from 6 years of music. . . became not only a teacher but a friend. Sincere condolences to his family!

So sorry to hear of Mr. Clinkscales' passing. Graduated from DHS in 1969 and although I was only in choir 2 years having moved to Duncan as a Junior, I have fond memories of Mr. Clinkscales and his passion for music. Had a great trip to St. Louis, MO my senior year and learned much under his direction. I know he will be missed, not only by his absence, but by how much he gave. May God bless and comfort the family.

Mr Clinkscales was an inspiration to all who knew him, & he will be missed, but we have the memories to cherish. I can just imagine he is directing the angels singing now. My prayers & condolences to his family.

Clink brought so much joy to our lives! I never hear a Gilbert and Sullivan song that I don't think of him and have to sing along. What a blessing he was to all of us!

Mr. Clinkscales inspired excellence. He worked tirelessly to train our ears, to fine tune our voices, and work, work, work for the very best in music. He was a quietly supportive teacher and mentor and I will always treasure that. He loved you very much, Karen and I know he must have been very proud of you and Andy and LeighAnne. Our friendship was a blessing and my youth would not have been the same without it. Your dad and your mom were a part of that blessing. May you feel God's sure embrace as you walk the path to come. I'll be there as always. Much love, Gale