William Dale Clark

Services will be Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Memorial Funeral Home with visitation from 1 - 2 PM followed by a funeral service at 2PM. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

He was born in Princeton, MO on July 9, 1942, the son of William Barton Clark and Edna Mae (McElfish) Clark. Dale graduated from Mercer R-III School and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. In 1991 he was united in marriage to Jeanette Dorothy Hartmann who survives.

Dale's dedication to his work was unwavering. He worked for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as an agricultural engineer, and also farmed and raised livestock in the Columbia area. His commitment to his profession was evident when he returned from North Africa in October 1979, after spending 17 days working with the Agricultural Research Center in Tripoli, Libya. At the invitation of the Libyan government, he served as a consultant to the Libyan Agricultural Department to conduct his research.

He was a Patron member of the National Rifle Association. He served as a Range Officer at the 2000 NRA Bianchi Cup. Dale was the Ducks Unlimited 2010 Waterfowler of the Year. Dale also taught welding at the Career Center in Columbia and was involved in teaching hunter safety.

Dale's passion for sportsmanship was a significant part of his life. He was an avid sportsman, building, using, and enjoying firearms, finding joy in his hobbies. Dale had a passion for all things that go “bang!” He often joked that one of his greatest fears was that Jeanette would sell his firearms for what he had told her he had given for them.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette, of the home, and his children, Lesley Sue Clark of Columbia; William Dale Clark Jr. (Bill) of Columbia; his grandsons Jesse Lee Nilges and his wife Madeline, of Columbia; Scott Winfrey of St. Louis, MO.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Dale was preceded in death by is parents and his brother, John Robert Clark (Bob).

Memorial Contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com