James "Dick" Richard Clark

He was born on November 21st, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky, to Victoria Burkhead and James Erble Clark. From a young age, Dick developed a feverish passion for mechanics and design. His passions led him to the United States Airforce, where he served in the Strategic Aerospace Wing, excelling at missile mechanics. On January 13th, 1962, he married Carolyn Rose Burt. Together, they had three children. Dick and Carolyn enjoyed spending time with the Kentucky Society of Natural History and discovering their love for photography. He strove to capture the beauty in all that he did, whether it be through photographing nature, the design and handcrafting of street rods, winemaking, or home renovation, and his many hobbies and interests were exhausted to perfection. He was quick to offer a helping hand and slow to judge. Dick was a devoted husband, father, and follower of Christ.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Carolyn; daughters: Mary (Rick) and Chris (Greg); son, John; 5 grandchildren: Myndi (Matt), Cory, Collin (Allix), Katie, and Anna; 5 great-grandchildren: Dana, Ben, Caroline, Scarlett, and Elliott; sisters: Patricia, Shirley (Gene), Wanda, and Judy (Roger); brothers: Danny (Rose) and Mike. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers in marriage: Elaine, Tom (Cindy), Steve (Carolyn), Kathy (David), Mitsy (Gary), Danny (Dee), Cindy (Bruce), and Kenny (Paula); and numerous nieces and nephews. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Victoria and James, and son-in-law, Brian Shawler.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24th, from 2pm until 8pm at Arch L. Heady Funeral Home in Okolona. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 25th, at St. Rita’s Church at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please forward donations to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation in honor of Dick and the dear friends he has made at the Parkinson’s Support Center of Kentuckiana.

“When you’ve got all you need, why would you want any more?”