David Palmer Clark

May 19, 1941 – March 19, 2016

David Palmer Clark, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away on March 19, 2016, after a courageous fight against cancer. David modestly described himself as a man who did the best he could do with each and every opportunity and challenge. As David would say: “it is what it is.”

David was the second son born to Ralph Otis Clark, M.D. and Marie Alice Palmer Clark on May 19, 1941, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Southeast High School in 1959.

He attended college until he enlisted in the Navy in 1963 and served until his discharge in 1969. David’s trade in the Navy was a storekeeper as a second class petty officer. He was tasked with maintaining the ship’s supply store. His military service was recognized in numerous awards including the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Secretary of the Navy Commendation for Achievement Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

His experience in the Navy served him well for his future in accounting. Upon his discharge, he returned to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated in 1972. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1975 and was recognized for 40 years of membership in the Oklahoma Society of CPAs in 2015.

Dave spent most of his working career with The Kempton Company. He was employed in 1982 and served as its Executive Vice President until his death. At work, Dave was a leader who led by example and challenged all to be the best they could be. He was a mentor to many. He was a loyal, dedicated and honest man who valued his ethics and principles. His dedication to the Kempton family will always be greatly appreciated. Dave made a significant impact on the many that know and love him at Kempton. He leaves a multitude of friends at Kempton who will miss him dearly.

But above all, Dave was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. The joy he had at family gatherings in the past years was visible in the twinkle in his eyes when he spoke of his family. He is survived by his wife Karen Clark, son David T. Clark, and daughter Teresa A. Ellison, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Guy and Lynda Clark of Ponca City, and Fred and Genneva Clark of Oklahoma City. He also leaves five grandchildren: Samantha and Zachary Clark of State College, PA; Rachel and husband James Fishburn of Stillwater, OK; Alexis and Chase Ellison of El Dorado, KS; and five great-grandchildren: Payton, Ruger and Noah Clark, and Connor and Cameron Fishburn.

David was a very private person. He did not want anyone to hurt or grieve for him so he endured his illness on his own terms. He is reunited with the Lord, his parents, and an older brother, Ralph Otis Clark, Jr.

The family would like to thank the Mercy Hospice nurses for the care and support provided during his final days.

Visitation will be at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, OK 73116, on Monday, March 21, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in the Chapel at All Souls' Episcopal Church, 6400 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK at 11:00 a.m. Everyone is invited to a reception following the service at the Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors, Oklahoma City, OK.