Charles Roger Clark Sr, affectionately known as “Chuck” and “Charlie,” passed away on Thursday May 21, 2020, at Salina Regional Health Center. He was surrounded by his three girls at the time of his death.
Weighing only 3 pounds, Chuck was born on June 5, 1937 to Frank and Doii Mae (Bradbury) Clark. Proud older brother to Donajean, he grew up in Lincoln, KS where he worked at the family Gamble Hardware store. His family spent time traveling to Minnesota in the summer where he caught fish and camped. Chuck graduated in 1955 from Lincoln High School, after which he enlisted in the Army.
Strong and athletic, in his younger days dad could slalom water ski and roller skate. He met the love of his life, June, at the Starlight Skating Rink in Salina, KS. They were married in Monroe, Louisiana on June 20, 1964. Dad had planned to become a teacher, taking many classes at East Texas State University to reach this goal, but settled into a job with KPL as a “gas man,” which became a career that spanned 30 years. His older children affectionately remember his Mr. Mom days from that time, having spent time on campus while dad was in classes.
Chuck had so many hobbies and interests it is hard to list them all. While raising a family of 5 children, he enjoyed going to the lake on his boat and RC airplanes. He also liked to chop down trees with his beloved chainsaw, and find buildings around his farm to restore and turn into shops. A proud father of several college graduates, he collected flags from their universities. Into his 80s, dad was always finding a project to do, even trenching a water line into “the little house” for a bathroom. He did not get the chance to complete his most recent project of turning an old chicken coop into a shed for gardening equipment, but he was able to rekindle his love of sketching airplanes, where he recently placed 2nd in a competition among senior artists. Overcoming the difficulties of Parkinson’s, dad was able to play kickball with other seniors at his favorite place “the center.” No matter how big the project or mighty the tree, dad would do what needed done to take care of it. His family honors the example of strength and determination he set.
Overcoming several diseases, including multiple types of cancer, an aneurysm, and Parkinson’s, Chuck’s family can say he truly lived a full life. His story continues in the hearts of his survivors: daughter Kim (Eldon) Smith of Ramona, KS; Lee Ann Clark of Culver, KS; Barbie Clark of Clearwater, KS; and youngest son Sam Clark of Berlin, Germany. His legacy of determination continues through grandchildren Barrett, Braxton and Brooklyn Smith; Maddie, Jed, Lora and Nate Clark; and Valerie and Vas Petik. Chuck was preceded in death by beloved wife June Clark, honored son Roger Clark, and dear sister Donajean Sager.
All are welcome to attend the visitation of the end of an era from 1-3 pm at Wilson Family Funeral Home in Minneapolis, KS on Tuesday May 26, 2020, followed by graveside service at Highland Cemetery in Minneapolis, where four generations of Clarks and Bradburys honorably rest. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunflower Adult Day Care, which made dad’s final months more peaceful.