Paul Martin Clark Sr.

1932 - 2016

Clark, Paul Martin Sr.,

84, passed from this life into eternal life on December 11, 2016, at his home.

He was born on July 11, 1932, to Joseph Claude and Mary Frances Clark (Bellew) in Stanley, KY. He was the seventh of thirteen siblings. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, June Katharine Clark; one son, Jeffery Dean Clark; two grandchildren; Kenny Carlisle and Christopher Clark; one great-grandchild, Levi Michael Clark; his parents and six of his siblings, Joe Claude Clark, Mary Frances Hayden, Dorothy Goetz, Virginia Ballard, Ruth Webster and Mildred (Foxy)Clark.

He leaves to cherish his memory, seven adult children, Paul Jr. (Paula), Perry (Sheila), David, John (Wendy), Sylvia Carlisle Clark, Sally VonAllmen (Dwayne), and Sherrie. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, their spouses, and 15 great-grandchildren and one on the way; three brothers, Bernard "Bud" Clark, Thomas Clark, and Tony Clark; three sisters, Margaret Beyke, Rosemary Moore, and Carolyn Clark Randall and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends also mourn his passing.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served on the U.S.S. Iowa near the end of the Korean War. He married June Katharine Froehlich, from Owensboro, KY, on July 19, 1952, and lived in Louisville while they raised their family. They were married 60 years. He worked for 33 years for Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1982. An active Democrat, he worked in local politics in the administration of Mayor Harvey Sloane. In 1977, he was elected to the Kentucky General Assembly as State Representative of the 37th Legislative District, and served for 15 years. As an elected official, Paul earned a reputation of integrity that was an example for others. He considered his service to the Southend of Louisville a privilege, and was honored that his constituents placed their trust in him. Paul was known as a kind gentleman, who was always friendly and helpful to anyone in need. He was a loving and devoted husband to June, who was the light of his life. Their marriage was one of love, teamwork and commitment…another example for others. They opened Clark Bar-B-Q restaurant on Crittenden Drive in the 1980s and also were instrumental in founding The Lord's Kitchen Ministry, which still feeds the hungry in Louisville today. Together, they served the Lord, their community, and their family. We honor him today, as a loving father, and a hard-working man of principle, who will be dearly missed.

Newcomer Funeral Home, Southwest Louisville Chapel (10304 Dixie Highway) is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, December 15, 2016, from noon-6:30 p.m. followed by his memorial service beginning at 6:30 p.m. www.newcomerkentuckiana.com