Clark was born in Cave Creek, AR on Sept. 12, 1918 to James and Viola Dickey. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Orpheus and Carl and his sister Fordean. He is survived by his loving wife, two sons, Jim (Judy) of Pendleton, OR and Tom (Marylu) of Kennewick , WA., six grandchildren, Mark, Sherry, Diane, Kathy, Kristi and Keri, five great grandchildren, Joshua, Taylor, Kyle, Madison and Emily, a brother James Jr., of Anderson, MO and Sister-in-Law Carol Dickey of Bouse, AZ. Also, survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Clark grew up and attended school in Arkansas and Missouri. He married the love of his life Luetta Mathis on October 26, 1938. In 1944, at the age of 25 he was inducted into the United States Army, and served in the 79th Infantry of the 7th Army during World War II. He served under both Generals Patch and Patton as a rifleman. He was decorated with both the European African theater ribbons with two bronze stars and a World War II Victory Medal. Clark was honored to have served his country.
After his Honorable discharge, Clark became a Civil Servant, retiring after 30 years with the Umatilla Ordnance Army Depot. Clark lived in the Hermiston area for the past 60 years. He was an avid reader of westerns and enjoyed, gardening, fishing, hunting, traveling and wintering in Arizona. Clark lived a long and fulfilling life and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He was very proud of all of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He was a man of great faith and was an active member of the West Side Church of Christ. He was very proud of his Western Cherokee Heritage and will always be remembered for having a dachshund by his side.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to the VA Home Care Team and Hospice Volunteers who helped with Clark’s care. Their presence helped brighten his days.
The family invites you attend a celebration of life service at Hermiston’s West Side Church of Christ, on West Orchard, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 6, 2015.
A private family burial will be held at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Contributions in Clark’s memory may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice Education Fund at 645 West Orchard Ave., Suite 300, Hermiston, OR 97838.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
