Doyle D. Clark

1944 - 2015

Our precious Doyle passed away Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, surrounded by his family and friends, in the serenity of his home in Idaho Falls, Idaho. A celebration of Doyle's life was held at his home Saturday, Oct. 3rd.

Doyle was born July 5, 1944, in Clay Center, Kan., to Doyle David Clark and Juanita Ely Clark. He was raised in a career Air Force family and moved all over the country, but proudly considered himself an Idaho native son. He spent 28 years in the U.S. Navy, including several tours in Vietnam, retiring after his final tour (Desert Storm) while on board the USS Nimitz.

He spent his retirement keeping the home fires burning while taking care of "the women," KJ and Lillian, and a host of four-legged kids - no matter where they lived - while supporting KJ's career. He had only one simple request - get him back to his Idaho sagebrush once the career chasing was done.

Idaho Falls was heaven on earth to him because it was "two hours to every place important." He was a great golfer, an expert skier, an avid bird hunter, and, most of all, the happiest Stillwater fisherman ever to hold a fly rod. He loved to spend his time on Henry's, Daniels, the Parklands and a few other places that have been promised never to be named.

Most importantly, Doyle was a man of honor, loyalty, dignity and who had the capacity to love unconditionally. He was articulate, well read, and jumped into his interests with no holds barred. He wrote the book on commitment to his marriage and family, was an incredibly softhearted human being (and unashamed to tear up), was generous to a fault and had a deliciously robust laugh. He loved God, Country, his family, friends and Pastor Bob.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, David Clark; and his beloved forever-cat-companion, Rajah. He is survived by his wife, Karen (KJ) Spitzer Clark; mother-in-law, Lillian (Granny) Spitzer, both of Idaho Falls; niece, Mariah (Brian) Maki of Tucson, Ariz.; nephew, Jeremy Clark (Jenny) of Kuna, Idaho; niece, Severin (Ryan) Spitzer of Silverdale, Wash., nephew, Nate (Karrie) Spitzer of Burien, Wash.; grand nephews, Dylan Maki and Kai Spitzer; and faithful watch cat, Samir.

Finally, the family requests that in honor of Doyle, you release every fish you catch so they can be caught another day, raise the American flag whenever possible and thank a veteran for his or her service to our Country.

"But since it fell unto my lot

That I should rise, and you should not

I gently rise and softly call

Goodnight and joy be to you all"

The Parting Glass - Celtic Woman

Goodnight, our sweet Doyle. We love you more and look forward to the day that we meet you in Heaven.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.