David Clark

1937 – 2026

CMDCM (SS) David V Clark, USN (Ret), 89, passed away August 30, 2026 at home.

Dave and Mary Lue were married for 68 years, blessed with 2 children, 2 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Dave and his sister Karen were born and grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Dave attended school, worked paper routes, and worked for his favorite mechanic Lloyd Noggle so that he could buy that first special brand new car – a 1955 Chevy Bel Air.

For a short time after high school he worked as a mechanic and in manufacturing of road-building sized equipment like rock crushers.

Dave was introduced to his future wife Mary Lue Wheeler by his sister Karen in 1956, and they were married in 1958, between Navy schools and assignments. Their family life involved moving to many different parts of the US, but always would find special places to enjoy family picnics and other new experiences. His faith and church were important to him as well, and he enjoyed participating in classes (being a great reader to the class!) and singing in the choir, in recent years as a member of First Baptist Hot Springs.

In 1957, Dave was the first recruit in a five-state region to be accepted into the Navy's new nuclear submarine program — a distinction earned through discipline and hard work from the very start. He graduated with honor standing as first in his class as an Electronics Technician, setting the tone for a career built on diligence and a determination to master every skill put in front of him. Over the following years, Dave steadily advanced through the ranks, taking on greater responsibility with each new assignment and earning a reputation as someone others could depend on. His technical expertise and leadership were recognized with numerous commendations along the way, reflecting both his mastery of his craft and the trust placed in him by those he served alongside. That steady climb culminated in his selection as Command Master Chief in 1973 — the highest enlisted position attainable, and a role reserved for those who have proven themselves as both technical experts and trusted leaders of sailors. Dave retired to Reserve Status in 1976, closing out three decades of dedicated active and reserve Navy service.

That same work ethic carried seamlessly into civilian life, where Dave spent another 20 years as a Nuclear Operations Training Instructor in Zion, Illinois, passing his hard-earned expertise on to the next generation. Early retirement saw him become a periodic babysitter for his grandchildren, always exploring and finding things to build with them. In his more recent retirement years in Hot Springs, Arkansas he became the neighborhood expert helper with everything from computer and electronics issues to dryer vent problems.

Dave enjoyed working on cars and electrical / mechanical things and loved woodworking. He happily shared his knowledge of these with his children and grandchildren; and the fruits of these crafts with family and friends in the form of gifts of rocking horses, cradles, chairs, bookcases and many other special items.

Another of his great joys was being in Colorado. Many summers would find him and Mary Lue photographing, Jeeping, and just enjoying the Rocky Mountains; one time travelling over the daunting Black Bear Pass.

He is survived by his loving family: wife of 68 years Mary Lue; children Mike (Lana) Clark, and Kimberli Clark; grandchildren Katherine (Jon) Cook and Geoffrey (Selena) Clark; great-grandchildren Wynnifred Cook and Walter Cook; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Irene Clark, sister Karen Harford and son-in-law Richard Harris.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday September 5, 2026 at 11:00AM at Gross Funeral Home, 120 Wrights St, Hot Springs, AR. Visitation at 10:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or your favorite charity.