Kenneth Lallier Clark, Jr.'s Obituary
One of East Texas finest “gentle giants,” Kenneth Lallier Clark, Jr. peacefully graduated to heaven surrounded by his family and friends on May 5, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Tuesday, May 9, at Winterfield Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Virginia Pevey and Reverend David Urban. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 8 from 6PM to 8 PM at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, Texas.
Ken was born November 26, 1935 to Kenneth L. Clark, Sr. and Anna Jane Lambert Clark in Denison, Texas and attended Denison schools graduating from Denison High School. Ken had a strong work ethic starting with a daily paper route at an early age. After graduation Ken and his best friend, Bobby McDonald joined the National Guard because they wanted to serve their country,
Ken began his work career with AT & T at age 20 and retired after 41 years of service. He was transferred to Sweetwater, Texas where he met the love of his life, Mona Colleen Clemmer. Ken and Colleen were married on June 21, 1958 in Clyde, Texas and were married for 50 years until Colleen’s passing on January 1, 2009.
Later Ken transferred to Longview with AT &T and attended Kilgore Junior College in the early 1970’s and tutored students in math subjects in his home. He also coached little league baseball and was his son, Kenny’s coach.
Ken and Colleen joined Winterfield United Methodist church in 1974 and were very active members. Ken was a scout leader of Troop 620, chaired the first barbecue fundraiser, as well as serving as a Sunday School treasurer. Additionally, Ken began the Donut Ministry along with many other duties and positions in the church throughout his life.
Ken enjoyed metal detecting with his friend, Bobby McDonald, fishing, playing Solitaire, and reading. Ken loved his collection of 1956 and 2002 Thunderbirds.
In 1984, Ken and Colleen purchased LongTex/Casa Flora where Colleen had worked for several years. Ken handled all bookkeeping duties after leaving his regular day job at AT&T. This portrays Ken’s personality as a behind the scenes type of man. He was quiet and meticulous about every aspect of his life.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Colleen, his sister Betty Clark Ledsinger Heller, and his beloved companion Weimeraner, Buddy.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Kenneth Lallier Clark III (Kenny) and wife Sheila, grandsons Kenneth Lallier Clark IV (Jo jo) and Mason Lee Clark all of Diana, Texas and daughter, Vickie Clark Slover and husband, Bruce of Longview, Texas. He is survived by two nephews Chuck & Bill Ledsinger.
The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to his caregivers Patricia Harvey, Julia Alexander, Kevin Green and Adrian Johnson for their love and devotion to our father. Also, the family would like to acknowledge Heart is of Longview and Heritage Hospice for their excellent care.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Winterfield United Methodist Church, Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center or the charity of your choice.
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