Charles Barton Clark

Charles B. Clark, known to many as Chuck or C.B., passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on September 20, 1932, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he developed the enduring values of faith, family, and community that guided his life.

Chuck discovered his love of good bread and fine cakes as an adolescent, accompanying his father on the bread delivery route near St. Cloud. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in May 1950 and continued his education at the Dunwoody Industrial Institute, focusing on technical baking and craftsmanship. With determination and a sense of adventure, he then made his way south to attend Florida State University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Baking Science and Management, graduating with honors in 1955. In college, Chuck met the love of his life, Lona, and found two lifelong passions: walking on to the early Florida State Seminoles football team, becoming a devoted fan—and playing cribbage, a card game he enjoyed throughout his life.

In August 1955, Chuck and Lona married after both had completed their studies at FSU. He even made the wedding cake for their special day. Through ROTC, he was commissioned in the United States Army. He subsequently attended Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, Virginia, and went on to serve in Chicago as a Cereal and Baked Products Development Officer for the Armed Forces.

Chuck built a distinguished and impactful career in the baking industry, combining technical expertise with strong leadership. His work spanned production management across bread, rolls, and sweet goods, as well as product development and executive leadership. He held positions including plant manager with Lakeland Bakeries in St. Cloud, Baking Director at Benson’s Inc. in Athens, and leadership roles with Shipley’s in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He later returned to Benson’s and during the course of his career he advanced to general management and corporate leadership roles, including division-level president.

Within his profession, he served as President of the American Society of Baking Engineers in the early 1970s and was an active member of the Southern Bakers Association, including service on its governing board. Chuck greatly enjoyed public speaking. He was an active participant in Toastmasters International and their competitive speaking program.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chuck was deeply committed to service and community. He was an active member of Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher and church leader. He also contributed to education through his service on the Clarke County School Board. Much later in his career, Chuck lent his baking expertise to the Bread for Life program, still in operation today through The Classic Center. On the eve of his 80th birthday, he received the Louis Griffith Hospitality Leadership Award for his contributions to workforce development in culinary arts.

Chuck is survived by four daughters: Cindy Clark Lawson; Diana Clark Cone (Allen); Penny Jo Clark; and Amy Clark (Andrea Campanini). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kelli Lawson Radford (Casey), Megan Cone Sears (John), Lindley Ann Cone Kent (Manning), and Charles Allen (“Chad”) Cone (Megan). His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Claire, Robert, John Allen (“Jack”), and Elizabeth Covington Sears; Georgia Lee, Mack Baker, and Sabie Lynn Kent; and Charles Grafton and Eleanor Ann Cone.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lona Lee Cochran Clark; his eldest daughter, Susan Jane Clark; and his eldest grandson, Gerald Steven Lawson, Jr. He was also the last surviving member of his immediate family, preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, and two brothers.

Chuck found joy in life’s simple pleasures: church activities, golf, travel, and time with family and friends. His life was grounded in faith and marked by integrity, a steadfast commitment to others, and generosity—often shared through the simple gift of baked goods made with care.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 22, at 10:00 a.m., in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to The Orchard at Athens and Agape Hospice for their compassionate care during Chuck’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Oconee Area Resource Council (OARC) or the charity of your choice.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.