Duane Eugene Clark

Duane Eugene Clark, born September 7, 1959, passed away peacefully at South Lake Hospital in Clermont, Florida on August 18, 2021.

Duane was born in Mexico, MO and spent the first 17 years of his life living around Kirksville, MO.  Florida has been his home since 1976.  He began working as a diesel truck driver for Ryder 42 years ago.  He loved his occupation and took pride in his work.  He became the go-to-guy for all truck issues being a level 4 mechanic at the Ryder shop in Orlando for the past 38 years.

He met the love of his life, Marlines Gonzalez in 2011 and was united in marriage to her on a cool November evening in 2013.  They settled in Montverde, Florida and began their beautiful life together.  You would often see them taking their nightly stroll around their neighborhood stopping to chat with their many wonderful friends, or see them at community events.  Marlines just loved spending time with her “blue blue”.

Duane grew up loving to fish but discovered that his real passion was cooking.  He concocted many delicious meals with Marlines as his assistant.  He enjoyed sharing his chili during Montverde Days.  After placing 2nd many times, he was thrilled to place 1st in 2016.

Duane enjoyed traveling with his beautiful bride on cruises to the Caribbean as well as road trips throughout the Eastern United States.  Recently he took his mother Martha Clark and Marlines to visit the Ark in Kentucky.

Duane just loved life.  You could see that in the twinkle of his eyes, the infectious smile on his face, the joyous laughter in his voice, and his willingness to help others. Among his passions was the love of God and his word. He loved to congregate and share with his brothers in faith in Jesus Christ. Duane was loved and respected by his co-workers. He shared his knowledge so much that they called him The Doctor, The Master and The Legend.

Duane was a beloved husband to Marlines for almost 9 years, a loving father to his step daughter April Waitts (Sorento, FLA), and a devoted son to Martha Clark (Adrian, MO).  He leaves behind his father Donley Clark (Columbia, MO); siblings Ronnie Clark (Orange Park, FLA), Charles(Kathy)Clark (Gladstone, MO), and Donna Sue Clark (Orange Park, FLA); his step-sister Cindy(Joe) Kapp and step-brother Tim(Naomi)Clark (both from Des Moines, IA); his father-in-law Francisco Gonzalez (Puerto Rico), and mother-in-law Aurea Erazo (Barnesville, OH); sister-in-laws Lillian Alvarez (Puerto Rico), Cruz Gonzalez (Barnesville, OH), JoAnn(Peter Taylor)Gonzalez (Poinciana, FLA), and Veronica Gonzalez (Barnesville, OH); as well as many loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Graveside services will be Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 11 am at Montverde City Cemetery in Montverde, Florida.  Luncheon to follow at Community Center located next to the cemetery where family will receive condolences.  Family requests casual dress in honor of Duane, who loved an attire of t-shirt and jeans.

Memorial contributions received by the family will be given to the city of Montverde in honor of Duane who worked on many community projects.  The exact memorial project will be determined at a later date.