Clayton Thomas Clark

Clayton Thomas "Ralph" Clark, Sr., a loving Daddy, PawPaw, and Uncle, was born on July 18, 1943, and passed away on, June 30, 2025, at the age of 81.
Clayton Thomas "Ralph" Clark, Sr. was born to the union of Joyce Buras and Arnold Clark on July 18, 1943 in. He left his parents' home at a young age to prove that he was a hard working man who could bring up and provide for himself and a family. He worked as a shrimper, a fisherman, you name it, he probably did it down in Buras, La. He loved being a fisherman, definitely oyster fishing, but he claimed it was always freezing. Clayton was always a rambunctious man, who loved to laugh, play cards, mow his yard, being with his family and cheering on the New Orleans Saints.
Clayton, soon after he left home, married his first wife, Veronica Sue Smith Clark, whom was sadly taken too early. Together they created a beautiful blended family with stepchildren, Kathryn Nolan, who dad nicknamed "Angel" and Burton Glen Nolan, children- Billie (Arthur) Muncy of Arkansas, Clayton Thomas Clark, Jr. of Elton, La, and Sophie (Robert) Fultz of Arkansas. These beautiful children made Clayton a father. Later on in life God blessed Clayton with another child, Lester (Kayla) Clark of Arkansas.
Even with so much family, so many hearts to fill, Clayton's true love was the oilfield. Clayton lived a full life and he always provided for his family and made it a top priority to make sure they did not want for anything. Working in the oilfield for over 35 years, Clayton would tell anyone who would listen everything he knew about it, everything he could remember. And in 2000, the oilfield was taken from him. Clayton had gotten injured offshore and fought for his life tooth and nail and by only God's divine intervention, something we all would call a miracle, did he come out on the other side.
When that love was taken, Clayton had already planted seed into another life. He had a wife since 1996, Sallie Dianne McKnight Clark, of Oakdale and his newest stepchild, Sallie Welch (Robert) Fontenot of Oakdale, and his brand new baby, Jacinda Rae (Jade) Clark of Oakdale. His family now became a bigger priority than his career and Clayton had to readjust. After meeting his father-in-law, Donald "PeeWee" McKnight, a group of new trades was introduced into Clayton's life, construction/contracting. PeeWee had become one of Clayton's best friends and mentors in God to help guide him through some of his most trying years.
He became a father that would drop everything in a heartbeat if he knew that he was needed by one of his kids. He became a father that cried when you got married, when you had a child, or when you moved out of the house. He became the father that wasn't always there but he always could be and an even better pawpaw. Clayton lived a hard working man, but Clayton passed on as a good husband, father, pawpaw, uncle and friend.
Clayton is rejoicing In heaven with his parents, his first wife, his step son, Burton Nolan, his siblings, Raymond and Terril "The Duke" Clark and Linda Poullard, his parents in law, PeeWee and GlynNell McKnight, and many friends.
Those left to mourn are his wife of 29 years, his 8 children, 18 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren, a special sister in law, Susie Clark, many nieces, nephews, in laws and friends.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, THE FAMILY ASKS THAT DONATIONS BE MADE TO DIANNE CLARK FOR FUNERAL EXPENSES.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 2, 2025 from 9:00 a.m., until the time for the service at 2:00 p.m., at The Lighthouse Church of Oakdale, Oakdale, Louisiana.
Pallbearers to serve will be Todd Billings, Aaron Billings, Zack Billings, Clayton Tyler Clark, Terril "TJ" Clark, and Tim Clark. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Fontenot, Jade Wingerter, Robert Allen Fultz, Steve Fontenot, Johnny Willis, Joe Billings, and Lonnie Welch.
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