Joseph B Clark

Joseph (Joe) Bernard Clark, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Joe lived a life marked by hard work, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Joe was born on September 5, 1937, to Bernard and Hannah Clark. He was born and raised in Arkansas City, Kansas where he developed the strong values of faith, family, and service that guided him throughout his life.

He proudly served two years in the National Guard before beginning his career with the railroad. He later dedicated 25 years as a Supervisor at Total Refinery. In addition to his professional work, he was a proud farmer who spent countless hours in the fields tending to his crops and raising his prized Clark Limousin cattle. Joe had a well-known passion for gardening, particularly for his sweet corn and Jet Star tomatoes. You could always find him sharing the fruits of his labor-bags of produce regularly made their way into the hands of neighbors, friends, and even passersby. Generosity came naturally to Joe.

On April 24, 1965, Joe married the love of his life, Nelora (Nel), and together they built a home filled with faith, love, laughter, and the joy of raising five children. Family was at the very heart of Joe's life. He cherished every moment spent with his loved ones and took great pride in the accomplishments and lives of his children and grandchildren. His grandkids were a constant source of joy, and he made sure they always knew how much they were loved. Whether it was sharing stories, lending advice, or simply enjoying time together on the farm, "Papa Joe" made each of them feel special. His presence was a steady and loving force in the lives of his family members.

A lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Joe was deeply rooted in his faith. He served nearly 70 years with the Knights of Columbus and was always ready to lend a helping hand. One of his favorite annual traditions was helping with the Knights of Columbus German sausage booth at the Arkalalah festival-he looked forward to it every year and was a familiar, friendly face to all who passed by. He also gave back to his community through years of service on the Soil Conservation Board and by maintaining the country roads near his farm, among many other quiet acts of dedication.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Hannah Clark, and his twin brother, Phillip Edward Clark. He is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Nelora (Nel) Clark, and their five children: Carla (Steve) Moore, Cindra (Jerry) Clark-Wheat, Christie (Brian) Redrow, Craig (Jennifer) Clark, and Carrie (Mike) Tredway.

He leaves behind a legacy of love through his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Scott) Cody, Nathan Moore, Anna (Baruch) Clawson, Joshua Moore, Rachel Moore, Lydia Moore, Isaac Moore, Zachary Wheat, Madison Wheat, Connor Redrow, Hannah Redrow, Liarra (Deangelo) Allen, Kaitlynn (Isaac) Tennant, Garrett Clark, Tauer Tredway, and Taryn Tredway; and his great-grandchildren: Salem Tennant and Maddicyn Allen.

Joe is also survived by his sisters Annie Lanning and Janet (Ash) Seawell, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews.

Joe's legacy of service, hard work, generosity, faith, and above all, love for his family, will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him