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© Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home
Submitted by: TD
Herbert H. Clark went to be with Jesus on Friday, July 26, 2013 at the age of 84 years 7 months and 30 days. Herb was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1928 to Walter Jerome and Lois (Holt) Clark in Wilson, Oklahoma where he resided until his family moved to Healdton his freshman year. They attended the Healdton Assembly of God where he met his future wife Sally.
His avid participation in sports was cut short by a near fatal oil-field accident involving electricity. He was president of the Student Council and of his Healdton high school graduating class. Blessed with a musical talent, he was a member of the men’s choir, quartets and sang leading roles in high school plays. Herb, Sally and his future in-laws attended a Stamp’s Music School in Dallas. The family quarter sang all over Carter County. Herb and Sally continued as a duet up until the week before his passing. His doctors and nurses were amazed at how well he sang during his lengthy hospital confinement. Herb married his childhood sweetheart, Sally Jo Skinner, on June 11, 1949 in Gainesville, Texas. Though ill, Herb celebrated a very special 64th anniversary with Sally recently at the Wells Private Care facility in Durant where he has resided for several months. Herb prepared for his life-long career at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. Beginning in 1950 after graduation, he worked for Leslie Funeral Home in Wilson, Rangley Funeral Home in Duncan and Bettes Funeral Home in Healdton. He left his profession briefly to be in the Dry Cleaning business in Ringling. In 1958 he was offered a position in Durant at the Murray Funeral Home. He managed that facility until his retirement in 1993. He and Sally continued to assist their son at the Clark Funeral Service in Tishomingo as long as his health permitted. Herb and his family joined the First Baptist Church in 1959 where he served on committees and was an active Deacon for many years. He was an avid sports fan and his love of the out-of-doors made yard work a passion for him. Some passersby thought he was Sally’s professional yard man. He was a long-time Kiwanis Club member and a Master Mason of the Durant Masonic Lodge. He never met a stranger and he had a phenomenal memory for names. Though robbed of his short-term memory by a stroke, he could still call his hospital visitors by name. Early in their marriage the Clark's decided to make travel a priority as time and money would permit. They traveled to every continent except Australia, although they said their favorite trip was "the next one" Sally says that their African Safari was their best. Sleeping in tents with lions and elephants outside was a most stimulating and memorable experience. In the 70's the Clarks were priviledged to have in their home a "foster daughter" from Vietnam who attended Southeastern. This established a life long relationship and gave them an understanding of what life was like during the Vietnam conflict. Herb considered time spent with his family and friends his greatest pleasure; his final words when departing from friends were “thank you for being my friend”.
Mr. Clark was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lois Clark; all of his siblings; sisters, Modell Fore Seachris and Melba Joy McClanahan; brothers, A.J., James, Doyle and Donald Clark.
Mr. Clark is survived by his loving high school sweetheart and wife of 64 years, Sally Clark of the home; sons, Roger S. Clark of Tishomingo, Oklahoma and Kelly D. Clark of Moore; grandson, Petty Officer Ryan K. Clark and his wife Brittanie of Oxford, Alabama; granddaughter, Traci Renae Clark of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; great-grandson, Keagen Ryan Clark and several nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.
Family Hour will be from 7-8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at the Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home in Durant, Oklahoma. The service to honor his memory will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church with Bro. James Robinson officiating and assisted by Bro. Fred Ward. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery in Durant, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Joe Barrett, David Robison, Bart Rustin, Tommy Krammer, Jack Treat and Mike Ridgeway. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dr. Bob Engles, Larry Wayne McClanahan, James Boydson, Jim Epperson, Malone Skinner, David Mize, H.K. Jones, Lee Junior Robertson, Max Wilkins, Scott Fulton III and the men of his adult Sunday School Class.
Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at www.holmescoffeymurray.com.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma.
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