Clark Bedsworth

Clark Bedsworth, our beloved husband, dad, papa, great-papa, and brother-in-law, passed away peacefully at his home on June 27, 2025, at the age of 80. Clark was born in St. Louis on March 18, 1945, to Clark and Frances Gilman. He spent much of his childhood in mid-Missouri, in the Fulton and New Bloomfield areas, where he grew up with his mom, stepdad Billy Bedsworth, and sister Shirley.
During the week before his passing, Clark and his wife Connie (Anderson) Bedsworth enjoyed a memorable fish fry with their family in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary. The two met while attending New Bloomfield High School and had their first date at the drive-in movie theater in Jefferson City. They were married at the First Christian Church in Fulton on June 29, 1965, and raised four children including John (Cheryl), Todd (Susan), Scott (Laura), and Jennie (Jed).
Each Valentine's Day, Clark would surprise Connie with red roses in celebration of the holiday and her birthday on Feb. 15. They spent many fun times together at their kids' activities as well as on road trips to see family in Minnesota, visit antique shops, and tour the country.
Clark was a staple in the New Bloomfield School District for decades as a parent and board member, later working at the school as a transportation supervisor, bus driver, and mechanic. He and Connie also ran Bedsworth Upholstery while raising cattle and gardening. Many in the community are familiar with the family's heritage barn near Guthrie, which has remained in the Bedsworth family for more than 150 years.
Clark was always there cheering on his children and grandchildren in baseball, basketball, softball, and FFA activities. He was reserved at times while also passionate about his ideas and opinions. He passed on his advice and interests in areas of sports, hunting, farming, fishing, and small business. He enjoyed sipping coffee with Connie in the mornings, catching up on news of the day, and visiting on the front porch. He had multiple well-loved pets throughout the years that he enjoyed training and caring for.
Clark was also known for his strong will and discipline, overcoming many health obstacles throughout his life that he was told would be debilitating. During retirement, he kept up with numerous projects and would often be found out in his shed or mowing the lawn, keeping active into his final days.
Clark's cherished memory will live on in those who knew his generosity, steadiness, and strong commitment to his family, whom he always supported no matter the need.
In addition to his wife and children, Clark is survived by 12 grandchildren: Taylor (Chanda), Kelsey (Garrett), Zach (Shannon), Aaron (Jordan), Sydni (Christian), Greg (Lillian), Cody, Tommy, Graycie, Jerricka, and Wyatt, along with 19 great-grandchildren: Corbin, Alden, Colt, Avery, Bennett, Kipton, Stetson, Morgan, Parker, Elaine, Mavric, Brynn, William, Samson, Oliver, Everhett, Bentley, Weston, and Ensley. He is also survived by other close family including his brother-in-law Stan Anderson, sister-in-law Joan Polston, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Clark was preceded in death by his dad Clark Gilman, mom Frances Bedsworth, stepdad Billy Bedsworth as well as granddaughter Cassie Bedsworth and sister Shirley Coots.
In lieu of traditional services, the family invites you to join us for an informal celebration of life where we can visit, share memories, and honor Clark's many contributions to his family and community. Clergy will offer brief closing remarks and a prayer. The celebration will be held on Sunday, July 6, at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rather than flowers, donations may be made to the Guthrie Cemetery c/o Maupin Funeral Home 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com