Followers

28 January 2009

Godspeed Clarence Edward Clark



Clarence Clark


Clarence E. Clark, 82, of Columbia, Mo., formerly of Belleville, Ill., born Jan. 2, 1927, in Salem, Mo., died Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, in Columbia, Mo.


Mr. Clark received his Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture from the University of Missouri and was retired from Wayne Feed Company. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army.Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Rupert and Charlotte, nee Strode, Clark; and a son, Charles Clark.


Surviving are his wife, Jo Ann, nee Harpster, Clark; a son, Michael (Debra) Clark of Columbia, Mo.; a daughter, Carol (Ron) Palmer of St. Joseph, Mo.; three grandchildren, Katie Palmer, Kyle Decker, and Tate Decker; and friends.


Memorials are appreciated to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine.


Visitation: Friends may call from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at Lake View Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, Ill.Funeral: Memorial Services will be held at 1:30 Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill., with the Rev. Jason Woolever officiating. Inurnment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.


I grew up across the street from Carol, his daughter. We were fast friends and went through school together. Her twin, Chuck, died a few years ago and is buried about 2 miles from my apartment. Carol and her mom come up every Fall to visit with Chuck and we go out to lunch. Carol's parents and my parents were good friends. The next morning after my mom died, in 1968 JoAnn and Carol came over to our house before school and her mom and my dad talked and Carol and I just looked at each other because 13 year-olds don't know what to say when your best friend's mom dies suddenly.


Today as I was hugging JoAnn and Carol at the funeral home the years melted away and it was as if we were children again, both of our parents living and all was well. During the funeral it was like my mom's funeral all over again except we were older and it was no easier.


Clarence Clark will always be known for two things...he never said a bad word about anyone and he was the most optimistic person I ever met


5 comments:

Debbie said...

I am so sorry for Carol's families loss and your loss Nes. He is resting now in heaven, with the angels. My sympathies to all.

God Bless~
Debbie

Debbie said...

That should be Ness and not Nes. My keys are sticking lately on this very old laptop.

kim-d said...

Oh Ness...it never gets any easier, ever. I'm so glad you were able to be there for your friends, just as they were there for you all of those years ago.

Alice said...

Holding Carol & family close in thought and prayer.

Debra said...

Nessie, I am so sorry for Carol's loss and for yours, as well. Your tribute to this lovely family was absolutely beautiful to read.

I am holding you close in my prayers, dear one. And yes, someday we will walk the beach together and hunt for sea glass.

Love,
Debbie