Clifford Write Springwater

September 19, 1956- October 11, 2025

Reverend Clifford Wright Springwater, born on September 19, 1956, passed away on October 11, 2025, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, at the age of 69. He entered heavens gates with his family by his side. A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Ponca Tribal Cultural Center. Following the traditional Noon Feast, a Funeral Ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, October 16, 2025, with Dr. Rev. Louis Headman officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Ponca Tribal Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601.

Clifford was the cherished son of Crawford A. Springwater and Edna Mae Thirsty. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, where he spent his childhood years before later moving to Oklahoma. Clifford enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1980. He was a proud Jar Head. Once he was discharged from the military, he settled down in Ponca City where he met his beautiful wife, JoAnn. They were married on September 19, 1986. Together they shared six children. Clifford committed his life to serving the Lord, he continued to witness even during his final breathes. Clifford traveled across the United States sharing Gods word with his native people. Throughout his ministry, he helped start many churches in Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. At the time of his passing he was the Pastor of New Faith Community Baptist Church in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Clifford received his bachelor’s degree in University Studies from Oklahoma State University. He was a proud member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians. Clifford enjoyed attending powwows, his dance style of choice was straight dance. In his later years of life he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, fishing, and mowing his lawn.

He is preceded in death by: his parents, Crawford A. Springwater and Edna Mae Thirsty; two sisters, Rowena and Joyce; and brother, Duane Springwater; two sons, Nigel Dwight Springwater and Seth Elihu Springwater; and grandson, Eriz Dream Marshall.

He is survived by: his wife, JoAnn Springwater, of the home; children, Raven and Justin Marshall, of Jenks, Oklahoma, Hannah and Jaime Hernandez, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, Christian and Winter Springwater, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Michiah Springwater, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; siblings, Juanita, Leroy, Shirley, and Cherokee Springwater; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.