Henry Benjamin "Ben" Clark

06/06/1919 - 11/24/2015

Ben was born in Golconda, Illinois, on June 6, 1919, to Lewis and Anna Clark, and died on November 24, 2015. Ben was the youngest of eight siblings including: Tom, Bill, Dutch, Roderick, Owen, Joe, and Patricia all of whom preceded him in death along with his wife Betty. Ben had one son, Michal (Norleen), who truly was his best friend. He was extremely proud of his three grandchildren Matthew Clark (Molly), Amanda Meszaros (Rob), and Marnie. Ben also enjoyed spending time with his great-grandchildren Ella and Luke Meszaros and Harry Clark.
Ben grew up on the family farm located on the banks of the Ohio River near Golconda, Illinois. Ben, Joe, and their mother left the farm in 1937 and moved to Southern California. After graduating from Citrus High School in Azusa, California, Ben joined his brothers Owen and Joe to work in a plumbing shop in Santa Ana. Their work eventually brought them to Kern County. Ben and Joe went to work for their brother at the Owen Clark Plumbing Company - "The Best Plumber in Town by Far." The company operated in Bakersfield from the 1930's until the 1980's. Ben, along with Owen and Joe served in the military during W.W.II. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp, Ben returned to Bakersfield and became a general contractor. He built numerous houses and rentals in the greater Bakersfield area.
Ben was a wonderful, loving husband and father. Anyone who knew Ben would describe him as a genuinely nice and caring man. He was truly a man of impeccable character in his work and family life.
To say Ben loved the automobile would be an understatement. He enjoyed owning and driving many different vehicles during his lifetime. One of his great pleasures was the family road trips throughout the United States. Ben lived his life always with grace and courage. Ben's family feels overwhelming gratitude for such a wonderful man.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Greenlawn on Panorama.