Lester J. Clinkscales

Lester Joe Clinkscales went home to be with the Lord the morning of May 10, 2024.  He was born August 9, 1939, to Horace and Annie Mae Clinkscales in Anderson, South Carolina.  He was the youngest of twelve children. 

Les graduated from Westside High School (Anderson, South Carolina).   He was a talented athlete in both baseball and basketball, and his athletic contributions were memorialized in 2018 with an induction into the Westside High School Hall of Fame.  He arrived in Indianapolis in 1965 to join the pitching staff of the Indianapolis Indians baseball team (White Sox AAA affiliate).   Les soon met the love of his life, Ann Barnett, at the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade.  The couple entered into holy matrimony on June 10, 1967, in Evansville, Indiana, and enjoyed 56 years of marital bliss.  Their union was blessed with two children Lester Sherard Clinkscales and Kristie Ann Clinkscales.

Les was a God-fearing man.  He joined Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church (Indianapolis, Indiana) in 1981 and remained a faithful member until his passing.  

Les worked as a security guard at Allison Transmission for 26 years.   He was a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2000.  Les led a life that revolved around family and friends.  He saw the good in everyone and was loved for his big heart and uplifting presence.  He was an outgoing person who left an indelible mark on the lives of many.  When he was not spending time with family or friends, Les enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams, working in the garden, and relaxing in his backyard oasis.  He was also active in the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church men’s choir for many years.

Les was preceded in death by his parents Horace and Annie Mae Clinkscales; daughter Kristie Ann Clinkscales; brothers Bobby Clinkscales, Early Clinkscales, Harper Clinkscales, Horace Clinkscales Jr., Jim Clinkscales, Julius Clinkscales, and Rufus Clinkscales; and sisters Annie Mae Clinkscales, Eula Lee Wansley, and Minnie Nance.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Ann Clinkscales; son Sherard Clinkscales; daughter-in-law Monica Love; grandchildren Alex and Tara Clinkscales; sister Martha Parks; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 5-7 pm at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North 2706 Kessler Blvd West Drive Indianapolis, IN 46228. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 11 am at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church 5111 West 62^nd Street Indianapolis, IN 46268.  A one-hour visitation will be held prior to service.  Burial will be at Washington Park North Cemetery.