Gene Clark

Carl Eugene “Gene” Clark was born January 21, 1931, in Caruthersville, Missouri.  He was the son of Carl Felix Clark and Mildred Hortense Mott Clark. 

He departed this life at his home in Caruthersville, Missouri, on August 19, 2016 at 6:04 p.m. surrounded by his children.

Gene attended the Caruthersville School System and graduated from Caruthersville High School in 1950. His nickname in high school was “Goat.”

Gene served in the National Guard and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Caruthersville.

On October 23, 1962, in Caruthersville, Missouri, Gene married the love of his life – Mary Nell Adams, whom he met at the Ramble In located in Hayti.  They were married for 45 years until she preceded him in death on February 7, 2007.  Gene and Mary Nell were blessed with one child and Gene was also blessed with two children from his previous marriage.

Gene worked for the United States Corp of Engineers, the Tennessee In – alongside his father, owned Clark’s Drive In – with his wife Mary Nell, Gene Clark Insulation, managed the Caruthersville County Club and retired as Superintendent of the Caruthersville County Club.  Gene had many hobbies throughout his 85 years including bowling, roller skating, grilling with family and friends, hunting, fishing, playing cards, going to the dog track and the horse races, and loved playing golf with his wife, his daughter, Gina, and his many friends.  He was thrilled when his grandsons, Trip and Clark started playing golf.

Survived by – 1 son – Carl Duane Clark – Destin, Florida

                         2 daughters – Diane Clark Mathis, and her husband, Boe – Caruthersville, Missouri

Gina Clark Francis, and her husband, Dean – Olive Branch, Mississippi

                         9 grandchildren – Christine Clark – Nashville, Tennessee

Sonny, and his wife, Stacey – Nashville, Tennessee

John Clark – Athens, Georgia

Jeremy Clark – Athens, Georgia

Brian Day, and his wife, Christy – Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Nicholas Day, and his wife, Jeannie – Caruthersville, Missouri

Rachel Smith, and her husband, Mike – Olive Branch, Mississippi

Dean (Trip) E. Francis, III – Olive Branch, Mississippi

Clark Francis – Olive Branch, Mississippi

                        8 great grandchildren –Lauren, Thomas and Johnathan Clark, Cody and Maddison Day, Alyssa, Hudson, and Mary Brooke Smith

                        1 very special nephew – Rick Clark – Caruthersville, Missouri

Many other relatives and many, many, many friends

He was preceded in death by his parents – Carl and Hortense Clark, his wife - Mary Nell, a brother – Richard Roland Clark, a baby brother – Gilbert Curtis Clark, and a niece Debbie Clark

Funeral services were held Monday, August 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the H.S. Smith Chapel with Rev. Doug Boyd officiating.  Interment followed in Maple Cemetery.

Pall-bearers:  Trip Francis, Clark Francis, Nicholas Day, Brian Day, John Clark, Jeremy Clark

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services

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