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Clark Colby Sr.

1929 - 2020

Clark Colby Sr. obituary, 1929-2020, Des Moines, IA

BORN

1929

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway

3601 Westown Parkway

West Des Moines, Iowa

Clark Colby Obituary

Clark Colby Sr.

Des Moines - Clark Andrew Colby, 91, passed away peacefully December 12, 2020 at his home at Edgewater in West Des Moines surrounded by his family. He was born on October 21, 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles Iowa Colby and Ruth Reite Colby. Clark attended Roosevelt High School and then graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines. He went on to study at the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and continued his studies at Drake University. Clark met the love of his life Marilyn Framness and they were married on March 31, 1951. They shared over 69 wonderful years together. Clark told Marilyn he was going to show her the world, which he did. They traveled extensively, usually with close friends or family.

Clark worked closely with his father and was partners with his brother Charles in real estate construction and development primarily in the western suburbs of Des Moines. He also played an integral part in working with his father to establish several family trusts collectively known as Colby Interests. Clark greatly enjoyed watching and assisting the next generation of family trustees in continuing to invest and grow the assets of Colby Interests. Clark served on the Board of Directors for Brenton Banks for many years. He was a fifty-year member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and the Grand Lodge of Iowa. He was a member of Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, The Rotary Club, The Breakfast Club, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, and Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Clark loved the outdoors. He enjoyed many types of hunting and fishing all across the country. He also had a passion for horses. He acquired several race horses, but mostly bred, raised and showed American Quarter Horses. Clark's horses earned many ribbons and trophies with several achieving national recognition. The family also enjoyed their skiing trips to Colorado, and their fishing trips to Canada, where the entire family would relax and have fun together. Clark and Marilyn spent over 20 winters at their home in Bonita Springs, Florida at Bonita Bay, boating, biking, walking and golfing with their golf groups and with family and many good friends. We also should mention that orchids were Clark's passion.

Clark loved his family and he will be greatly missed. Clark is survived by his wife, Marilyn. They were blessed with three children who were all born in Windsor Heights on Colby Ave., Clark Colby, Jr. (Melinda), Tom Colby, and Kim Colby (Ric); six grandchildren, Kelsi Colby Salmon (Michael), Tom Colby Jr. (Mandee), Clark Colby III (Kristen), Nicole Jackson, Alison Jackson, David Jackson; and five great-grandchildren, Ayla Colby, Everett Colby, Violet Colby, Lucas Salmon and Adalyn Salmon.

Clark was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruth Edith Claiborne and Carol Colby Clarke; and his brother, Charles Colby Jr.

Due to the pandemic, a private family service will be held at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, with burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. We will have a celebration of Clarks' life to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Food Bank of Iowa, the Des Moines Symphony or Windsor Heights Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Our family would like to give special thanks to all of Clark's caregivers - especially Renae! And also extend great gratitude to Unity Point Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Dec. 15 to Dec. 20, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?





Laurie Swegle

February 6, 2021

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Clark. My parents were friends (Wayne and Louise Swegle) back in the day before they moved from Des Moines in 1973. Carole and Lloyd Clarke also were good friends. Mom and Dad have both passed now, so they are welcoming Clark, I'm sure. He led a great life and I'm sure you have a million wonderful memories. Treasure them and take care.

william trabert

February 1, 2021

clark colby was a loyal friend of my fathers, especially at the end of my fathers life, Clark stopped by and visited my father during my fathers illness. clark was a loyal friend to the end of my fathers life. sorry for your loss

Nancy King

December 23, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Brook Rosenberg

December 21, 2020

So very sorry about Clark’s passing. A wonderful gentleman we had the pleasure of knowing and learning from over many years. Our deepest condolences.

Jackie Taylor Carper

December 20, 2020

Clark was a wonderful guy! I had the pleasure of working at Colby Development years ago and he always greeted me with a smile. My sincere condolences to the Colby family.

Susan and Jeff Stroud

December 20, 2020

What a great man and a great life! I loved talking to him at Edgewater! We are so sorry for your loss!

December 17, 2020

Marilyn: We're so sorry to hear of Clark's passing. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We're sending you virtual hugs and prayers for peace. We love you!

The Wahlig Family

George Hanusa

December 16, 2020

Our sympathy to you and your family, Marilyn, and our prayers for God's comfort and strength, I enjoyed my associations with Clark, working with him to make the City of Windsor Heights a better place. We have missed seeing you and him in church.
Take care,
George and Janet Hanusa

Barry Nulph

December 16, 2020

I have always had great respect for Clark and did have for his brother Chuck Jr. These fellows were terrific gentlemen and always nice to me as the son-in-law W. Reed Davisson, who was also an admirer of the senior Charles Colby. A very nice family and my condolences to you all.

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Hamilton's Funeral Home on Westown Parkway

3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266

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