John "Dave" David Clovis

John David Clovis (Dave), 65, formerly of St. Marys, WV, passed unexpectedly from this earth on June 10th, 2025, at his residence in Syracuse, NY. 

David, seeking more open-minded pastures, moved from St. Marys the summer before his senior year at St. Marys High School. He was, like many before and since, a victim of homophobia and prejudices that forced him to leave his home, his friends, and his community. David chose to finish his high school career at Bethlehem Central High School in Elsmere, NY, where he resided with his maternal Grandmother, the journalist Mary Spargo.

David was born on December 11, 1959, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Parkersburg, WV to the late Mary Spargo (Wardwell) Clovis and James Laird Clovis, also deceased, both of St. Marys, WV.

David is survived by his brother, J. Andrew Clovis, of St. Marys, his cousins Bobby Clovis and Stephanie (Dale) Colvin, both of St. Marys, his cousin Diane (Robert) Lamp of Pennsboro, WV, Matt (Rhonda) Clovis of Kermit, WV and a few more distant relatives. He leaves many beloved friends who have praised him mightily behind.

David was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harry and Mamie Clovis of St. Marys, his chosen Grandmother, Emma Barron of St. Marys, his paternal Grandparents, Charles Howard Wardwell of New York City, NY and Mary Spargo, of Elsmere, NY, as well as several uncles and aunts and his cousin Russell Clovis.

David had many interests. He was an avid collector of antiques, a marvelous amateur photographer, a student of genealogy, and was politically and socially active over the years. He adored his time in the Lucky Clovers 4-H club while still a youth in Pleasants County, WV, winning several state ribbons for various projects over the years. He worked for many years in security at Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY where he also studied law. He truly believed in liberty and justice for all. 

A deep lover of nature, David loved the study of entomology and believed in the sanctity of our natural world. A memorial grove of trees is to be planted by way of the Arbor Day Foundation in our National Forests. He was also a lover of our canine friends. David was active in the Recovery Community in Syracuse and was of the Episcopal faith.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. Those who would like to pay tribute to David may donate to the Arbor Day Foundation, the National Parks Foundation, their local no-kill Animal Shelter, or the Alejandro Garcia Runaway and Homeless Youth House in Syracuse, NY. 

David was a kind and loving spirit and will be deeply missed by friends and family alike.

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