Russell Clark

Russell K. Clark passed away on October 12, 2009 in Roswell. His wife, children and brother were with him. Dad was born on December 4, 1938 in Polo, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his sister Judy in 1984 and by his parents Russell Clark and Wilma Weaver Clark. His wife Karen Sue (“Susie”) of almost 50 years survives him at the family home. He is also mourned by his six adoring children, his son Randy and his wife Jacque of Roswell, his son Ricky of Roswell, his daughter Pam and her husband Lee of Roswell, his daughter Karen and her husband Alan of Roswell, his son Russell (“Dean”) of Las Cruces and his son Ray of Roswell. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth Clark of Roswell and sister Shirley Willis of Braymer, Missouri along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends and family to whom he was known as “Duck.” Russell was raised in farm country, in Missouri, until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served honorably with almost all of his service being overseas. He was most proud of his ships, the USS Roanoke CL-145 and the USS Shangri-La CVA-38, both of which saw action in the South China Sea and elsewhere receiving combat “E” awards. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1959. He then served in the Naval Reserve. He later continued his service to our nation and state by serving in the New Mexico Army National Guard. This service lasted many years. In the course of this service he also received many awards, too many to list – but they include the Army Achievement Medal, Long Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Medal for Meritorious Service and commendations for his actions during the infamous Santa Fe prison riot back in the early 80’s. He received others awards from both the Guard and his Navy military service. Dad was proud of this service and was a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. Prior to moving to Roswell to stay in the late 1970’s with his wife and their six children Russell had worked for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, first on the Missouri river working on dredges to keep the river open and safe and later as an oiler on heavy cranes at the Naval Shipyard in Long Beach, California. He then worked in commercial construction for many years. He was a union laborer and worked on projects varying from the former Arrowhead football stadium of the Kansas City Chiefs, to the old St. Mary’s hospital in Roswell. Dad had a tough life in some respects, but as he showed us in his battle till the end, he was one tough little guy. He overcame adversity and during his retirement enjoyed the special treat of his grandchildren. Papa, as he was known to his grandkids, was the perfect grandparent for them, completely easy and unable to say no! The times he spent with them and their joy at being with Papa will always be remembered. When the grandkids were picked up from Papa’s, they were usually fine but Papa was in trouble. But it was a good trouble, it was usually that “can’t say no” thing again. In his later years Dad also enjoyed the continued company of his brother Kenneth. Their daily visits were good for both of them and quite entertaining to the rest of the family. They were partners, like not many brothers, for more than 50 years since they both returned from military service. Football was one of their “issues.” They fought like cats and dogs, made bets, welched on bets and “mis-remembered” routinely. And speaking of football, Dad loved his Dallas Cowboys but lord help you if they were losing. He saved and used some special “words of encouragement” he learned in the Navy for when the Cowboys were not doing well. Of course his kids had to help his grandkids unlearn some of those words later. When we pointed this out to Papa, he would just grin at us. In the end, our husband, dad and papa was a giver. He never complained for himself or asked for anything, but you will not find a soul who knew him that he didn’t do something for or give something to. We couldn’t count the number of times things would turn up missing which led us to the usual suspect – Dad. If it was gone, Dad gave it to someone. But mostly he gave to us, his wife and family, his heart. And now he’s taken that, along with a huge piece of ours and gone home. We’ll see ya Pop. We love you more than we could ever say. A farewell and goodbye service will be conducted at 10:00 am Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the South Park Cemetery in Roswell. Pastor Miller of Tabernacle Baptist Church will preside and a military honor guard will be present. This will be followed by an informal get together for lunch and to visit with all friends and family at 11:00 am at the Tabernacle Baptist Church at the corner of 11th and Richardson streets. Everyone is welcome. However, if you can make it to the service or lunch or both, come join us but please don’t dress up. You know Dad, he would have pitched a fit – or made fun of you – or maybe both. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home & Crematory.

Russell Clark

December 4, 1938 - October 12, 2009