Clarence Van Ens entered glory on the day appointed by Jehovah God, August 16, 2016. He departed this life with full faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ in his life, death and resurrection. He preached this message for more than fifty years, ministering in these United States of America, Sri Lanka, Australia and the Philippine Islands.
Clarence’s first wife, Margaret, predeceased him. In June, 1992, he married Theresa de la Cruz Inson, as Clarence would want to say, "A good, godly and noble woman."
The Reverend Van Ens graduated from Calvin College and Seminary, and did post-graduate studies at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, obtaining his Master’s Degree in Theology. His ministry began as Pastor of the Prospect Street Christian Reformed Church, Passaic, New Jersey. In 1952, he joined his identical twin brother, The Reverend John Van Ens, as Missionary Pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church of Sri Lanka. Here he served several churches for fourteen years; served as Editor of the denominational publication, The Herald; served as Professor of Old Testament Studies, including the Hebrew Language, in the Seminary at Kohuwela, Sri Lanka, served as President of the General Consistory and head of the Church in the Presbytery of Sri Lanka; ministered as Secretary of Missions, and assisted in distributing more than a million copies of the Gospel to the ends of the island in cooperation with World Home Bible League. Upon return to the USA, he served as Campus Minister at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, for eight years. At the time of his retirement, he served in the Reformed Church of Australia, Box Hill congregation for four years. Upon return to the USA as a retiree, he ministered four years at the Grace Church, Indian Harbor Beach, FL, two years at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Satellite Beach, FL, and in the Philippines, ministering in Dagupan and Bagio cities. On return to the USA in 1991, he served as Minister of Pastoral Care at the Suntree United Methodist Church, Suntree, FL where he continued until August of 2010.
A son of Ralph and Hilda Van Ens, Clarence was the middle child of seven, all of whom have entered glory. His siblings were Meinard, Clara, Velma, his twin brother John, Rita and Thomas.
Clarence’s departure is mourned by his beloved wife, Theresa, and his children, George Van Ens of Melbourne, FL and Margaret Ingold of Orlando, FL. He had eight grandchildren and special friends all over the world.
There will be a visitation on Monday, August 22, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 South US highway 1, Rockledge, FL. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 North Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL. Entombment will be at Florida Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, kindly send gifts to the Pastor Clarence Memorial Fund c/o Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL. 32940.
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