Harold Raymond Clark's Obituary
On the evening of September 18, 2015, Harold Raymond Clark passed away at the age of 97. His family is comforted knowing that his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. He was born on September 8, 1918 in Kansas City, Missouri to Eugene & Elizabeth Clark. He, his two brothers and three sisters grew up in Kansas City and later moved to San Diego, California. Harold graduated from San Diego State College and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega. In 1942, he joined the Army Air Corps as a pilot. While training in Hemet, California, Second Lieutenant Clark met Jeanne Carol Vik; they were married on March 14, 1943. During WWII, Jeanne and Harold were stationed in South Texas. Harold served as a flight instructor until the war ended. With little funds to return home to California, they put down roots in Dallas working as a carpenter with his brother, Henry. The carpenter became a builder with his childhood friend, Bill Smith. They established Clark & Smith. From there they opened Dallas North Lumber Company. Harold pursued business ventures in cattle, real estate, land development and oil and gas with an invaluable friend and business partner, Harold Dunk. Harold was a successful businessman who gave to causes he cared for deeply. Harold was blessed with a large and loving family. He was extremely proud of the five children he and Jeanne raised together. He was known as “Hoot” by his fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Harold worked hard and played hard – earning him accomplishments like a national ranking in badminton and membership in the Grand Slam Sheep Club. Other hobbies included fishing, flying and golfing. Harold is survived by his wife, children and their spouses, Bridgie Clark, Leslie and Fred Utlaut, Linda and Greg Roberts, Jan and Larry McBryde, Tom Clark, and his sister, Nettie Clark Hager. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. Hoot felt that his greatest legacy was his family and always commented that we are so fortunate to be so blessed. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be sent to Butterfield Youth Services, P.O. Box 333, Marshall, MO 65340 or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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