Clyde Gerald Wilhite

Clyde Gerald Wilhite, age 80 of Aurora, Colorado went to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of July 26th, with his wife Carolyn of 58 years, his kids and grandkids, and his extended family from New Life Evangelical Free Church loving him through the process. Clyde is survived by his loving wife Carolyn, his children Cheri (Lowell), Steve (Gina), Mark (Amy), Melanie (Peter), and Gordy (Kate) and 18 grandkids who were crazy about their ""papa"". Clyde pastored 2 churches in his 45 years of ministry. Cary-Grove Evangelical Free Church (Cary, IL) from 1962 – 1977, and New Life Evangelical Free Church from 1977 – 2007. Clyde was a loving pastor and shepherd in his years of ministry, but is most known for his passion for families – encouraging fathers to be engaged with their spouses, sons, and daughters. In fact, in 1994, Clyde earned his Doctor of Ministries in Pastoral Studies from Denver Seminary for his work on father-son relationships. He began a ministry at New Life in 1993 that still continues today, where 50 fathers and sons go into the wilderness of Canada and deepen their relationships with each other and their God while creating a memorable event. Clyde always believed in and modeled deeply committed relationships in family and leaves a powerful legacy both in his family and in the churches that he served. Even in his years following a stroke in 2008, Clyde and Carolyn together cared for countless people in the New Life congregation, as they too have been cared for by others. While Clyde gave much to the congregations he served, everyone who knew him knew how proud he was of his kids and grandkids, and how much he loved to fish, hunt, and play golf. He loved watching his kids perform in the arts and sports and encouraged in them a deep devotion to God. He was a faithful, loving husband and he and Carolyn modeled a relationship that impacted many lives. The family would like to extend their thanks to the loving Body at New Life for their love and support. Your kindness and support has meant so much to our family. His family invites friends and relatives to join our celebration of his life on August 13 at 10:30 a.m. at New Life Evangelical Free Church at 17690 East Iliff Avenue, Aurora, Colorado with lunch to follow. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to New Life Evangelical Free Church in Clyde's memory. Please share memories of Clyde and condolences with the family by signing the guestbook below.