CLARKSON, Neal

Neal (H.N.) Clarkson of Austin passed away on February 23, 2013.

He was born in Hutto, Texas on August 12, 1918, and grew up in Bastrop. He attended Schreiner Institute and then the University of Texas, where he earned a BS and then an MS in physics. He then taught at Texas A&I in Kingsville where he met and married Melba Gillespie. During World War II, he worked at the Naval Ordinance Lab in Solomons, Maryland and in England. During the war, he became a Naval Officer.

After the war, he participated in testing the atomic bomb on Bikini Atoll. He then returned to Kingsville and taught physics at A&I and earned his PhD from UT in 1954. In 1955, he began working at LaCoste-Romberg making gravity meters. He continued working there until he was 86, and he greatly loved his many productive years there. The greatest love of his life, however, was Melba, who preceded him in death. Together, they raised three children and lived life with joy. Together, they forged many long, dear friendships and cherished them through all their 63 years. They traveled extensively, with family and as a couple, and they spent many of their happiest moments in Port Aransas.

He is survived by his three children, Robert Clarkson (Peta), Terry Martinez (David), and Suzy Holstein (Jim), who will always be grateful for the love he showed them and the integrity he taught them. He was affectionately loved as “Papa Neal” by grandchildren Kim Vincent (Mike), Timaeus Martinez, Sofia Martinez (David Blumenthal), Glenna Holstein, Matthew Clarkson, Rachel Clarkson, Melida Holstein, and Michaela Clarkson, as well as great-grandchildren Chris and Rachel Vincent and Mateo, Ilario, and Paloma Blumenthal. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Dotty Carter, and two brothers-in-law Roy and Victor Gillespie.

To honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Planned Parenthood or People’s Community Clinic of Austin, 2909 N. IH-35, 78722. A visitation will be held from 1:30 pm until 2:30 pm, Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks in Pflugerville. The funeral service will begin following the visitation at 2:30 pm. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.