Donald N. Clark “Don”, 81, of Lexington, SC passed away Sunday, May 23, 2021, with his beloved wife, Joyce, by his side.
Don was born October 2, 1939 in Auburn, WA, son of the late Gerden H. Clark and Marion N. Nelsen. He attended Kent Meridian High School, class of 1957, and Clackamas Community College. Don was a true patriot, he served in the US Navy 1957-1961 where he graduated top of his class in meteorology and served as the meteorologist on the USS Lansing. He cherished his time of service in the Navy and his pride in our country was so evident. Those of you who attended any of the Clark 4th of July festivities will recall the tributes he read, each year, through tears of gratitude.
Don married his wife, Joyce A. Roberson, on January 21, 1967 in Milwaukie, OR and their 54-year love story is something the rest of us strive toward. Those who know them have had the privilege of witnessing their unconditional love for one another and how spoiled rotten Don was by Joyce and “all the love”.
Utilizing his education from the US Navy, Don became the television weatherman in Portland, Oregon, where he was a local TV personality for nearly 20 years. To say he was a hard worker would be an understatement, while continuing to do the weekend weather, Don started his own company, North Pacific Marketing, traveling the northwest as an independent manufacturer’s rep for outdoor power equipment. In 1986, Don became the International Sales Manager for Sabre/Textron, moving him and his family to South Carolina. Forever an entrepreneur, Don once again started his own firm, the Don Clark Company, where he represented Dixie Chopper, driving their road to success. Don was a brilliant businessman who worked hard his entire life to provide for his family, sometimes three jobs at a time. He was an inventor, patent holder, industry leader and mentor to so many.
It wasn’t all work and no play. Don and Joyce loved collecting antiques, riding motorcycles, driving sports cars, mowing the field on his tractor, golfing, boating, coaching little league and supporting any and everything his children and grandchildren did. Don was also a member of Northeast Presbyterian Church.
Don is survived by his wife, Joyce A. Clark; children, Kimberly A. Schweitzer (Al), Lisa M. Morse (Lowell), Kraig A. Clark (Tara) and Kristin A. Jenkins (Trae Shipley); grandchildren Addam J. Webber, Karra C. Webber, Roxanne R. Webber, Amy L. May, Richard “Gage” Jenkins, Grady N. Jenkins, Olivia A. Clark, Landon T. Shipley and Ian A. Clark; sister-in-law, Linda K. Roberson and several beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by parents, Marion N. Clark and Gerden H. Clark; brother, Gerden J. Clark; father-in-law, John C. Roberson; mother-in law, Annie K. Roberson; brother-in-law, Denny J. Roberson and sister-in-law, Clarenda A. Clark “Tootsie”.
Memorial services will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072 on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside service, with Military Honors, will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229 on Thursday, June 3rd at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
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