Obituary of Gideon Clark Chambers III

Gideon Clark Chambers III (Clark), 77, of Viera, Florida passed away February 11, 2023.  He died after a valiant fight with cancer.  He was born in Wellington, Texas on November 20, 1945 to Betty Lou Lawson (Barb) and Gideon Clark Chambers Jr.  He grew up in West Texas and New Mexico with his mother, stepfather, Glen Barb and two sisters, Melissa Poole, and Pamela St. Clair.

In High School, he was a successful student and athlete.  He was on the varsity football and track & field teams; he specialized in the javelin competition. Clark graduated in 1964 and went on to attend New Mexico Military Institute before he was drafted into the US Army.  He completed two tours in Vietnam. During his first tour he was shot by a sniper and received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for valor.  Clark completed 20 years in the US Army. Upon retirement, he completed 20 more years with the US Government as a Civil Servant in the field of logistics as the Chief Operation Officer.  He received the Ancient Order of Saint Christopher, a Distinguished Transportation Corp Regiment Award for his outstanding career achievements and accomplishments.  

Clark was a lifelong competitor, especially in sports and games.  He won at all costs against his children and grandchildren to teach them to be competitive.  A few of his favorite activities were golf, dancing (aka Dancing Duke), poker, bowling, ping-pong, softball, cooking and Yahtzee.  He instilled in all four of his daughters the value of physical fitness and pushing yourself, “If you can touch it you can catch it”. 

Clark's children from his marriage (1967-1987) to Judith Morris, Dana Kenningham and Stephanie Johnson, brought him much joy.  Dana and Stephanie enjoyed living on the same street as him in Viera, FL over the last six years.  His grandchildren Zachary Chiles, Kirsten Chiles Dumont, Grace Kenningham, Olivia Kenningham and Adam Kenningham have all benefited from his fun spirit and dance lessons throughout the years. 

Clarks children from his marriage (1988-1991 ) to Jennifer McCorty, Sophie Matthews and Helen Barfield, were a much loved addition to the family.  Sophie and Helen experienced West Texas throughs their dads’ eyes during their time there. His grandchild, Jaylee Barfield was able to meet with him several times in the last year.  She’s the newest edition to the family.  Sophie and Helen visited often and enjoyed laughing, listening to music, dancing, and spending time together. 

Clark was married to Melissa Faye Hutto Chambers in 1992-Until the time of his passing. Clark and Melissa lived in Charleston, SC relocating to Midland, TX after his retirement.  They loved traveling together and often hosted friends and family on sight-seeing trips, from Texas to New Mexico, Colorado to Arizona and Utah.  Clark was the ultimate planner, often citing the ‘6P’s’ as he put it: “Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance”.  As Clark’s four girls became adults, they have created wonderful memories and holiday traditions together by continuing the tradition of competitive tag football, power point presentations, and two-stepping. Their two dogs, Blanca and Bella, will miss their porch companion until they are all reunited.

Clark enjoyed three overseas tours: Spain, Germany, and the UK while in the US Army.  The adventures and travel brought him a lifetime of memories that he shared with all of us and anyone who shared a Miller Lite with him.  His love of a good time is synonymous with him; if he was in the room, good times were sure to be had.  Those who spent time with him know you left with a good story and a possible hangover.  His legacy will carry on forever reminding us to have fun and work hard. 

Clark is survived and missed by his wife, Melissa, and his children, Dana, Stephanie, Sophie and Helen. In-laws; Daryl, Jeff, Steve, Scott, Michelle and Michael. He will forever be remembered by his grandchildren Zachary, Kirsten, Grace, Olivia, Adam (decd) and Jaylee.  His memory lives on with sisters, Melissa, Pam, and Cynthia as well as his nieces and nephews; Amber, Maggie, Matthew, Max (decd), Jack, and Joseph.