Joseph T. Clark

1945 - 2024

Joseph T. Clark

March 15, 1945 - November 20, 2024

Lexington , Kentucky - Joseph Thomas Clark, 79, Lexington, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Colliver Clark, his daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Lindsay and Shane Munson, his grandchildren, Reese Caroline and Harrison Joseph Munson, and his sister-in-law Carolyn "Sissie" Helt Colliver. He was proceeded in death by his grandson, Clark Thomas Munson, and his brothers-in-law, Donald Lee Colliver and Ronnie B. Colliver. He was a member of Crestwood Christian Church.

Joe was the son of the late Joseph Estill and Marian Thomas Clark and grew up in Calhoun, Kentucky. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BA in English, an MA in Education and a Rank I in Education. He was a life member of the UK Alumni Association and Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He began his career in education at Bourbon County High School, Paris, KY, and continued it at South Broward High School, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He taught English and Journalism Classes, and sponsored the school newspaper, and Beta Club in Kentucky and Florida for five years. He then moved into an administrative and supervisory position at Fayette County Schools as the Secondary Language Arts Coordinator for six years. Finally, he spent his last 25 years at the Kentucky Department of Education. Joe retired after 34 years in education, from the Kentucky Department of Education in 2000 where he had served as Director of the Division of Federal Program Resources. Previously, he had worked for KDE as Assistant Director of the Division of Program Development and as Language Arts consultant and Gifted Education coordinator. Even after retirement, Joe continued to work in the education system, including being the parent representative at Lafayette High School, where Lindsay attended.

Joe was active in many educational organizations and had served as president of the Kentucky Council of the International Reading Association as well as the Kentucky Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. He had also served in various capacities with the National Council of Teachers of English, and the National Association of State Title I Directors.

Joe loved his family, playing with his grand-dogs, spending time outside, and traveling. He was also known by "Pops" to his grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart. Not only did Joe keep an immaculate yard, but he was known to be able to do and fix anything. He was creative, organized, and was always willing to help others. In his retirement, Joe spent a lot of time traveling with his wife, enjoying time with their friends, and being the best grandfather he could be.

Services will be conducted by the Reverend Dr. Kory Wilcoxson, Crestwood Christian Church, on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 10:30AM at the Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, Harrodsburg Road. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 3:00PM-6:00PM and before the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the following organizations in Joe's name:

Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40504

Crestwood Christian Church, 1882 Bellefonte Dr, Lexington, KY 40503

Catholic Action Center (mark for Give Kids a Home), P.O. Box 324, Lexington, KY 40588.