Cade McCoy Klink, 22, of Dodson, TX died Friday, November 8th, 2013 in Amarillo, TX .
Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 11, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Wellington with the Rev. Al Mixon – Pastor of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene officiating. Arrangements are by Collins, Johnson & Thornberry Funeral Directors.
Burial will be at Dodson Cemetery in Dodson, TX.
Cade was born on May 25, 1991 to Mark and Renessa Cardwell Klink in Amarillo,TX. He was a member of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene.
Cade was a graduate of Wellington High School in 2010. While at W.H.S., he was active in athletics playing football, basketball, baseball and track for all four years. Cade was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, and the Gifted and Talented program. He also served as Student Council President.
Cade was in his Senior year at West Texas A&M University at Canyon. He currently worked for Morgan & Myers Roofing and Exteriors of Amarillo.
Cade was preceded in death by his grandfather, Melvin Cardwell on May 26, 2013.
Cade is survived by his Parents: Mark and Renessa Klink of Dodson; a Brother: Brodie Klink of Dodson; a Sister: Mikala Klink of Dodson; Grandparents: Wanda Cardwell of Dodson and Rev. Merlyn & Mary Klink of Henderson; his Girlfriend/Best Friend: Chloe Hodges of Canyon; an Uncle: Roy Cardwell of Oilton, OK; two Aunts: Christi Watkins and husband, Gary of Palestine and Marianne Nichols and husband, Mark of Henderson; and numerous Cousins.
The family suggests memorial donations go to the Cade Klink Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be made at Collins, Johnson & Thornberry Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 563, 1011 East Avenue, Wellington, TX 79095.
The family will receive friends & family from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the funeral home.
-----------------------
Amarillo Globe-News online
Family recalls standout Wellington athlete
Posted: November 10, 2013 - 10:52pm By Amanda Castro-Crist
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." — Proverbs 27:1
No one could have known how true Cade Klink's Nov. 3 tweet would be.
In the past few months, Cade's father, Mark, said Cade had become stronger in his faith, sharing scripture with followers through his tweets.
The verse was Cade's last tweet. On Nov. 4, while at work for a local roofing company, Cade stepped into an elevator shaft in a downtown Amarillo building and fell to the bottom. He died Friday at a local hospital.
The 22-year-old, the oldest of Mark and Renessa Klink's three children, was a big brother to their son Brodie and daughter Mikala. A student at West Texas A&M University, he had just three more hours to complete his degree after this semester.
Though his father said he had changed his major several times, he was interested in all types of business and was looking forward to graduating and learning about the company where he was employed.
He liked the thought of making a career out of it, said Mark, and settling down in the Texas Panhandle, an area he loved, surrounded by family, his girlfriend of over a year, Chloe Hodges, and his friends.
"He was just a typical, All-American kid," said Mark. "He loved God, he loved his family and he loved people."
People loved Cade, too, his father said. He had many visitors throughout the week, said Mark, adding that hospital staff estimated more than 500 people came to offer their prayers.
"He was a friend to all age groups, all colors, all walks of life, all backgrounds," Mark said.
Wade Williams, Wellington High School's head football coach, agreed.
Williams coached Cade as he made his way through high school sports, donning No. 53 for the Skyrockets as an offensive lineman, guard and linebacker, running track and playing baseball and basketball.
While all the Klinks have touched a lot of the Wellington community, Williams said Cade had something about him that made people want to be around him. He was able to fit in any role he needed to be in to get along with people.
"He lit the room up with just his personality," said Williams. "He was so pleasant to be around."
He was also a prankster, said Williams, recalling one moment in particular.
"We had a dress-up day and Cade dressed up like Coach (Jaron) Roberts," said Williams, adding Cade stayed in character all day. "He was as close a match as anybody."
Cade's father laughed at the memory, saying he had forgotten about that day, but recalled many others when Cade would prank and tease his family members.
"He'd call his mother and leave voicemails in different voices; he'd pick on his brother and sister," Mark said. "He was a fun-loving guy."
His personality came through in everything he did, his father said, whether it was showing his animals as a child in towns throughout the state, acting as a coach and referee for children's sports teams in the summer or working as a lifeguard at WT.
"He made friends everywhere he went," Mark said, adding it has never been more evident.
Since the accident, the response from the people he impacted has been nonstop. The Klinks have received hundreds of phone calls and texts, along with tweets and Facebook posts, from family and friends, all sharing stories about their experiences with Cade.
"We're all very thankful for the support we've received, in the Panhandle, the state and several other states," Mark said.
This support will not be the only thing to help them deal with losing Cade, said Mark.
Like his son, Mark said, they have a great faith to stand on.
"It's hard to understand," said Mark. "But God will see us through."
------------------
Amarillo Globe-News online Posted: November 11, 2013 - 10:41pm
'Polite as they come': Klink remembered at Wellington funeral
By Amanda Castro-Crist
WELLINGTON — Cars lined the streets surrounding First Baptist Church in Wellington Monday afternoon. Inside, it was standing room only, as an estimated 700 to 1,000 people filled the sanctuary, foyer and additional rooms.
They were there to pay their final respects to Cade Klink, 22, the Skyrocket who died Friday after an unexpected accident in Amarillo on Nov. 4.
Though Klink grew up as a member of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene, the service was moved to the larger church in Wellington to accommodate those expected to attend, his father, Mark Klink said. Pastor Al Mixon said they realized quickly how many people would fill the church after witnessing the large numbers of friends who not only visited Klink in the hospital, but spent nights there, lining the hallways and sleeping in chairs.
The funeral, like most, had it's share of tears and heartache. But there were also moments of laughter. Mixon led the service, telling not only of Klink's strong Christian faith, but also sharing examples of Klink's relationships with his family and friends and the humor he spread each day.
Laughter echoed through the church as Mixon shared the contents of a letter of thanks a younger Klink wrote when Mixon became leader of the church.
"I hope you'll be our pastor until they burn down the church," an 8-year-old Klink wrote.
Mixon went on to say he kept the letter in his desk as Klink grew, bringing it out at the Sunday service when they honored the Wellington High School graduates. Justin Mixon, the pastor's son and a lifelong friend of Klink, said it was one of the few times Klink was on the other end of the joke. Though he spent much of his time laughing and joking, Justin said Klink was not mean-spirited.
"He was as honest and polite as they come," he recalled.
Though many of the stories shared at the service were ones of humor, Mixon said another of Klink's everyday habits will forever be remembered by his family.
"The most favorite thing on Mark and Renessa's cellphones," said Mixon, "Is the message everyday: Mom, Dad, I love you."
---------------------
Maternal Grandfather: Melvin Roy Cardwell
Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 11, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Wellington with the Rev. Al Mixon – Pastor of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene officiating. Arrangements are by Collins, Johnson & Thornberry Funeral Directors.
Burial will be at Dodson Cemetery in Dodson, TX.
Cade was born on May 25, 1991 to Mark and Renessa Cardwell Klink in Amarillo,TX. He was a member of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene.
Cade was a graduate of Wellington High School in 2010. While at W.H.S., he was active in athletics playing football, basketball, baseball and track for all four years. Cade was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, and the Gifted and Talented program. He also served as Student Council President.
Cade was in his Senior year at West Texas A&M University at Canyon. He currently worked for Morgan & Myers Roofing and Exteriors of Amarillo.
Cade was preceded in death by his grandfather, Melvin Cardwell on May 26, 2013.
Cade is survived by his Parents: Mark and Renessa Klink of Dodson; a Brother: Brodie Klink of Dodson; a Sister: Mikala Klink of Dodson; Grandparents: Wanda Cardwell of Dodson and Rev. Merlyn & Mary Klink of Henderson; his Girlfriend/Best Friend: Chloe Hodges of Canyon; an Uncle: Roy Cardwell of Oilton, OK; two Aunts: Christi Watkins and husband, Gary of Palestine and Marianne Nichols and husband, Mark of Henderson; and numerous Cousins.
The family suggests memorial donations go to the Cade Klink Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be made at Collins, Johnson & Thornberry Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 563, 1011 East Avenue, Wellington, TX 79095.
The family will receive friends & family from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the funeral home.
-----------------------
Amarillo Globe-News online
Family recalls standout Wellington athlete
Posted: November 10, 2013 - 10:52pm By Amanda Castro-Crist
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." — Proverbs 27:1
No one could have known how true Cade Klink's Nov. 3 tweet would be.
In the past few months, Cade's father, Mark, said Cade had become stronger in his faith, sharing scripture with followers through his tweets.
The verse was Cade's last tweet. On Nov. 4, while at work for a local roofing company, Cade stepped into an elevator shaft in a downtown Amarillo building and fell to the bottom. He died Friday at a local hospital.
The 22-year-old, the oldest of Mark and Renessa Klink's three children, was a big brother to their son Brodie and daughter Mikala. A student at West Texas A&M University, he had just three more hours to complete his degree after this semester.
Though his father said he had changed his major several times, he was interested in all types of business and was looking forward to graduating and learning about the company where he was employed.
He liked the thought of making a career out of it, said Mark, and settling down in the Texas Panhandle, an area he loved, surrounded by family, his girlfriend of over a year, Chloe Hodges, and his friends.
"He was just a typical, All-American kid," said Mark. "He loved God, he loved his family and he loved people."
People loved Cade, too, his father said. He had many visitors throughout the week, said Mark, adding that hospital staff estimated more than 500 people came to offer their prayers.
"He was a friend to all age groups, all colors, all walks of life, all backgrounds," Mark said.
Wade Williams, Wellington High School's head football coach, agreed.
Williams coached Cade as he made his way through high school sports, donning No. 53 for the Skyrockets as an offensive lineman, guard and linebacker, running track and playing baseball and basketball.
While all the Klinks have touched a lot of the Wellington community, Williams said Cade had something about him that made people want to be around him. He was able to fit in any role he needed to be in to get along with people.
"He lit the room up with just his personality," said Williams. "He was so pleasant to be around."
He was also a prankster, said Williams, recalling one moment in particular.
"We had a dress-up day and Cade dressed up like Coach (Jaron) Roberts," said Williams, adding Cade stayed in character all day. "He was as close a match as anybody."
Cade's father laughed at the memory, saying he had forgotten about that day, but recalled many others when Cade would prank and tease his family members.
"He'd call his mother and leave voicemails in different voices; he'd pick on his brother and sister," Mark said. "He was a fun-loving guy."
His personality came through in everything he did, his father said, whether it was showing his animals as a child in towns throughout the state, acting as a coach and referee for children's sports teams in the summer or working as a lifeguard at WT.
"He made friends everywhere he went," Mark said, adding it has never been more evident.
Since the accident, the response from the people he impacted has been nonstop. The Klinks have received hundreds of phone calls and texts, along with tweets and Facebook posts, from family and friends, all sharing stories about their experiences with Cade.
"We're all very thankful for the support we've received, in the Panhandle, the state and several other states," Mark said.
This support will not be the only thing to help them deal with losing Cade, said Mark.
Like his son, Mark said, they have a great faith to stand on.
"It's hard to understand," said Mark. "But God will see us through."
------------------
Amarillo Globe-News online Posted: November 11, 2013 - 10:41pm
'Polite as they come': Klink remembered at Wellington funeral
By Amanda Castro-Crist
WELLINGTON — Cars lined the streets surrounding First Baptist Church in Wellington Monday afternoon. Inside, it was standing room only, as an estimated 700 to 1,000 people filled the sanctuary, foyer and additional rooms.
They were there to pay their final respects to Cade Klink, 22, the Skyrocket who died Friday after an unexpected accident in Amarillo on Nov. 4.
Though Klink grew up as a member of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene, the service was moved to the larger church in Wellington to accommodate those expected to attend, his father, Mark Klink said. Pastor Al Mixon said they realized quickly how many people would fill the church after witnessing the large numbers of friends who not only visited Klink in the hospital, but spent nights there, lining the hallways and sleeping in chairs.
The funeral, like most, had it's share of tears and heartache. But there were also moments of laughter. Mixon led the service, telling not only of Klink's strong Christian faith, but also sharing examples of Klink's relationships with his family and friends and the humor he spread each day.
Laughter echoed through the church as Mixon shared the contents of a letter of thanks a younger Klink wrote when Mixon became leader of the church.
"I hope you'll be our pastor until they burn down the church," an 8-year-old Klink wrote.
Mixon went on to say he kept the letter in his desk as Klink grew, bringing it out at the Sunday service when they honored the Wellington High School graduates. Justin Mixon, the pastor's son and a lifelong friend of Klink, said it was one of the few times Klink was on the other end of the joke. Though he spent much of his time laughing and joking, Justin said Klink was not mean-spirited.
"He was as honest and polite as they come," he recalled.
Though many of the stories shared at the service were ones of humor, Mixon said another of Klink's everyday habits will forever be remembered by his family.
"The most favorite thing on Mark and Renessa's cellphones," said Mixon, "Is the message everyday: Mom, Dad, I love you."
---------------------
Maternal Grandfather: Melvin Roy Cardwell
Cade McCoy Klink, 22, of Dodson, TX died Friday, November 8th, 2013 in Amarillo, TX .
Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 11, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Wellington with the Rev. Al Mixon – Pastor of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene officiating. Arrangements are by Collins, Johnson & Thornberry Funeral Directors.
Burial will be at Dodson Cemetery in Dodson, TX.
Cade was born on May 25, 1991 to Mark and Renessa Cardwell Klink in Amarillo,TX. He was a member of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene.
Cade was a graduate of Wellington High School in 2010. While at W.H.S., he was active in athletics playing football, basketball, baseball and track for all four years. Cade was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, and the Gifted and Talented program. He also served as Student Council President.
Cade was in his Senior year at West Texas A&M University at Canyon. He currently worked for Morgan & Myers Roofing and Exteriors of Amarillo.
Cade was preceded in death by his grandfather, Melvin Cardwell on May 26, 2013.
Cade is survived by his Parents: Mark and Renessa Klink of Dodson; a Brother: Brodie Klink of Dodson; a Sister: Mikala Klink of Dodson; Grandparents: Wanda Cardwell of Dodson and Rev. Merlyn & Mary Klink of Henderson; his Girlfriend/Best Friend: Chloe Hodges of Canyon; an Uncle: Roy Cardwell of Oilton, OK; two Aunts: Christi Watkins and husband, Gary of Palestine and Marianne Nichols and husband, Mark of Henderson; and numerous Cousins.
The family suggests memorial donations go to the Cade Klink Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be made at Collins, Johnson & Thornberry Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 563, 1011 East Avenue, Wellington, TX 79095.
The family will receive friends & family from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the funeral home.
-----------------------
Amarillo Globe-News online
Family recalls standout Wellington athlete
Posted: November 10, 2013 - 10:52pm By Amanda Castro-Crist
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." — Proverbs 27:1
No one could have known how true Cade Klink's Nov. 3 tweet would be.
In the past few months, Cade's father, Mark, said Cade had become stronger in his faith, sharing scripture with followers through his tweets.
The verse was Cade's last tweet. On Nov. 4, while at work for a local roofing company, Cade stepped into an elevator shaft in a downtown Amarillo building and fell to the bottom. He died Friday at a local hospital.
The 22-year-old, the oldest of Mark and Renessa Klink's three children, was a big brother to their son Brodie and daughter Mikala. A student at West Texas A&M University, he had just three more hours to complete his degree after this semester.
Though his father said he had changed his major several times, he was interested in all types of business and was looking forward to graduating and learning about the company where he was employed.
He liked the thought of making a career out of it, said Mark, and settling down in the Texas Panhandle, an area he loved, surrounded by family, his girlfriend of over a year, Chloe Hodges, and his friends.
"He was just a typical, All-American kid," said Mark. "He loved God, he loved his family and he loved people."
People loved Cade, too, his father said. He had many visitors throughout the week, said Mark, adding that hospital staff estimated more than 500 people came to offer their prayers.
"He was a friend to all age groups, all colors, all walks of life, all backgrounds," Mark said.
Wade Williams, Wellington High School's head football coach, agreed.
Williams coached Cade as he made his way through high school sports, donning No. 53 for the Skyrockets as an offensive lineman, guard and linebacker, running track and playing baseball and basketball.
While all the Klinks have touched a lot of the Wellington community, Williams said Cade had something about him that made people want to be around him. He was able to fit in any role he needed to be in to get along with people.
"He lit the room up with just his personality," said Williams. "He was so pleasant to be around."
He was also a prankster, said Williams, recalling one moment in particular.
"We had a dress-up day and Cade dressed up like Coach (Jaron) Roberts," said Williams, adding Cade stayed in character all day. "He was as close a match as anybody."
Cade's father laughed at the memory, saying he had forgotten about that day, but recalled many others when Cade would prank and tease his family members.
"He'd call his mother and leave voicemails in different voices; he'd pick on his brother and sister," Mark said. "He was a fun-loving guy."
His personality came through in everything he did, his father said, whether it was showing his animals as a child in towns throughout the state, acting as a coach and referee for children's sports teams in the summer or working as a lifeguard at WT.
"He made friends everywhere he went," Mark said, adding it has never been more evident.
Since the accident, the response from the people he impacted has been nonstop. The Klinks have received hundreds of phone calls and texts, along with tweets and Facebook posts, from family and friends, all sharing stories about their experiences with Cade.
"We're all very thankful for the support we've received, in the Panhandle, the state and several other states," Mark said.
This support will not be the only thing to help them deal with losing Cade, said Mark.
Like his son, Mark said, they have a great faith to stand on.
"It's hard to understand," said Mark. "But God will see us through."
------------------
Amarillo Globe-News online Posted: November 11, 2013 - 10:41pm
'Polite as they come': Klink remembered at Wellington funeral
By Amanda Castro-Crist
WELLINGTON — Cars lined the streets surrounding First Baptist Church in Wellington Monday afternoon. Inside, it was standing room only, as an estimated 700 to 1,000 people filled the sanctuary, foyer and additional rooms.
They were there to pay their final respects to Cade Klink, 22, the Skyrocket who died Friday after an unexpected accident in Amarillo on Nov. 4.
Though Klink grew up as a member of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene, the service was moved to the larger church in Wellington to accommodate those expected to attend, his father, Mark Klink said. Pastor Al Mixon said they realized quickly how many people would fill the church after witnessing the large numbers of friends who not only visited Klink in the hospital, but spent nights there, lining the hallways and sleeping in chairs.
The funeral, like most, had it's share of tears and heartache. But there were also moments of laughter. Mixon led the service, telling not only of Klink's strong Christian faith, but also sharing examples of Klink's relationships with his family and friends and the humor he spread each day.
Laughter echoed through the church as Mixon shared the contents of a letter of thanks a younger Klink wrote when Mixon became leader of the church.
"I hope you'll be our pastor until they burn down the church," an 8-year-old Klink wrote.
Mixon went on to say he kept the letter in his desk as Klink grew, bringing it out at the Sunday service when they honored the Wellington High School graduates. Justin Mixon, the pastor's son and a lifelong friend of Klink, said it was one of the few times Klink was on the other end of the joke. Though he spent much of his time laughing and joking, Justin said Klink was not mean-spirited.
"He was as honest and polite as they come," he recalled.
Though many of the stories shared at the service were ones of humor, Mixon said another of Klink's everyday habits will forever be remembered by his family.
"The most favorite thing on Mark and Renessa's cellphones," said Mixon, "Is the message everyday: Mom, Dad, I love you."
---------------------
Maternal Grandfather: Melvin Roy Cardwell
Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, November 11, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Wellington with the Rev. Al Mixon – Pastor of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene officiating. Arrangements are by Collins, Johnson & Thornberry Funeral Directors.
Burial will be at Dodson Cemetery in Dodson, TX.
Cade was born on May 25, 1991 to Mark and Renessa Cardwell Klink in Amarillo,TX. He was a member of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene.
Cade was a graduate of Wellington High School in 2010. While at W.H.S., he was active in athletics playing football, basketball, baseball and track for all four years. Cade was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, and the Gifted and Talented program. He also served as Student Council President.
Cade was in his Senior year at West Texas A&M University at Canyon. He currently worked for Morgan & Myers Roofing and Exteriors of Amarillo.
Cade was preceded in death by his grandfather, Melvin Cardwell on May 26, 2013.
Cade is survived by his Parents: Mark and Renessa Klink of Dodson; a Brother: Brodie Klink of Dodson; a Sister: Mikala Klink of Dodson; Grandparents: Wanda Cardwell of Dodson and Rev. Merlyn & Mary Klink of Henderson; his Girlfriend/Best Friend: Chloe Hodges of Canyon; an Uncle: Roy Cardwell of Oilton, OK; two Aunts: Christi Watkins and husband, Gary of Palestine and Marianne Nichols and husband, Mark of Henderson; and numerous Cousins.
The family suggests memorial donations go to the Cade Klink Memorial Scholarship. Donations can be made at Collins, Johnson & Thornberry Funeral Directors, P.O. Box 563, 1011 East Avenue, Wellington, TX 79095.
The family will receive friends & family from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2013 at the funeral home.
-----------------------
Amarillo Globe-News online
Family recalls standout Wellington athlete
Posted: November 10, 2013 - 10:52pm By Amanda Castro-Crist
"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." — Proverbs 27:1
No one could have known how true Cade Klink's Nov. 3 tweet would be.
In the past few months, Cade's father, Mark, said Cade had become stronger in his faith, sharing scripture with followers through his tweets.
The verse was Cade's last tweet. On Nov. 4, while at work for a local roofing company, Cade stepped into an elevator shaft in a downtown Amarillo building and fell to the bottom. He died Friday at a local hospital.
The 22-year-old, the oldest of Mark and Renessa Klink's three children, was a big brother to their son Brodie and daughter Mikala. A student at West Texas A&M University, he had just three more hours to complete his degree after this semester.
Though his father said he had changed his major several times, he was interested in all types of business and was looking forward to graduating and learning about the company where he was employed.
He liked the thought of making a career out of it, said Mark, and settling down in the Texas Panhandle, an area he loved, surrounded by family, his girlfriend of over a year, Chloe Hodges, and his friends.
"He was just a typical, All-American kid," said Mark. "He loved God, he loved his family and he loved people."
People loved Cade, too, his father said. He had many visitors throughout the week, said Mark, adding that hospital staff estimated more than 500 people came to offer their prayers.
"He was a friend to all age groups, all colors, all walks of life, all backgrounds," Mark said.
Wade Williams, Wellington High School's head football coach, agreed.
Williams coached Cade as he made his way through high school sports, donning No. 53 for the Skyrockets as an offensive lineman, guard and linebacker, running track and playing baseball and basketball.
While all the Klinks have touched a lot of the Wellington community, Williams said Cade had something about him that made people want to be around him. He was able to fit in any role he needed to be in to get along with people.
"He lit the room up with just his personality," said Williams. "He was so pleasant to be around."
He was also a prankster, said Williams, recalling one moment in particular.
"We had a dress-up day and Cade dressed up like Coach (Jaron) Roberts," said Williams, adding Cade stayed in character all day. "He was as close a match as anybody."
Cade's father laughed at the memory, saying he had forgotten about that day, but recalled many others when Cade would prank and tease his family members.
"He'd call his mother and leave voicemails in different voices; he'd pick on his brother and sister," Mark said. "He was a fun-loving guy."
His personality came through in everything he did, his father said, whether it was showing his animals as a child in towns throughout the state, acting as a coach and referee for children's sports teams in the summer or working as a lifeguard at WT.
"He made friends everywhere he went," Mark said, adding it has never been more evident.
Since the accident, the response from the people he impacted has been nonstop. The Klinks have received hundreds of phone calls and texts, along with tweets and Facebook posts, from family and friends, all sharing stories about their experiences with Cade.
"We're all very thankful for the support we've received, in the Panhandle, the state and several other states," Mark said.
This support will not be the only thing to help them deal with losing Cade, said Mark.
Like his son, Mark said, they have a great faith to stand on.
"It's hard to understand," said Mark. "But God will see us through."
------------------
Amarillo Globe-News online Posted: November 11, 2013 - 10:41pm
'Polite as they come': Klink remembered at Wellington funeral
By Amanda Castro-Crist
WELLINGTON — Cars lined the streets surrounding First Baptist Church in Wellington Monday afternoon. Inside, it was standing room only, as an estimated 700 to 1,000 people filled the sanctuary, foyer and additional rooms.
They were there to pay their final respects to Cade Klink, 22, the Skyrocket who died Friday after an unexpected accident in Amarillo on Nov. 4.
Though Klink grew up as a member of the Dodson Church of the Nazarene, the service was moved to the larger church in Wellington to accommodate those expected to attend, his father, Mark Klink said. Pastor Al Mixon said they realized quickly how many people would fill the church after witnessing the large numbers of friends who not only visited Klink in the hospital, but spent nights there, lining the hallways and sleeping in chairs.
The funeral, like most, had it's share of tears and heartache. But there were also moments of laughter. Mixon led the service, telling not only of Klink's strong Christian faith, but also sharing examples of Klink's relationships with his family and friends and the humor he spread each day.
Laughter echoed through the church as Mixon shared the contents of a letter of thanks a younger Klink wrote when Mixon became leader of the church.
"I hope you'll be our pastor until they burn down the church," an 8-year-old Klink wrote.
Mixon went on to say he kept the letter in his desk as Klink grew, bringing it out at the Sunday service when they honored the Wellington High School graduates. Justin Mixon, the pastor's son and a lifelong friend of Klink, said it was one of the few times Klink was on the other end of the joke. Though he spent much of his time laughing and joking, Justin said Klink was not mean-spirited.
"He was as honest and polite as they come," he recalled.
Though many of the stories shared at the service were ones of humor, Mixon said another of Klink's everyday habits will forever be remembered by his family.
"The most favorite thing on Mark and Renessa's cellphones," said Mixon, "Is the message everyday: Mom, Dad, I love you."
---------------------
Maternal Grandfather: Melvin Roy Cardwell
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