Orrin B. "O.B." Clark

Orrin Barber "O.B." Clark, age 91, of Versailles, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on February 18, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 20, 1934, O.B. moved with his family to Colorado Springs in 1947 before making Missouri his permanent home in 1965.

O.B. lived a life defined by service, leadership, and unwavering faith. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant and completing foreign service in Korea. Reflecting on his time in uniform, he wrote, "I considered it a great privilege to have served my country in uniform. We are blessed to have been born in America." After his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Business, and Banking from Colorado College in 1959.

O.B.'s professional life was distinguished and influential. He served on Associated Electric Cooperative's Board of Directors beginning in 1974 and was elected President of the Board in 1981, a position he held for decades. His leadership extended across the cooperative community, including service as President of Co Mo Electric Cooperative, Vice President of Central Electric Power Cooperative, and Board Member for KAMO Power and M&A Electric Power Cooperative. He also served on the Advisory Committee for the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation.

Beyond the cooperative world, O.B. devoted himself to public service. He served more than 20 years as a Moniteau County Deputy Sheriff, chaired the Moniteau County Industrial Development Commission, helped establish the county's 911 Emergency Calling System, and served on the Boards of the High Point School, the Farmers' Home Administration, and the Royal Theatre in Versailles, where he spent six years as a Board Member and two as President. He also served 20 years as a trustee and foundation director of Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City.

Alongside his public service, O.B. was a dedicated cattleman, operating a cow/calf ranch for 41 years. He approached ranching with the same diligence, pride, and integrity that marked every chapter of his life.

O.B. was a faithful servant of the Lord and a devoted member of New Life Assembly of God Church in Barnett, Missouri. His favorite scripture was Deuteronomy 31:8: "And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

O.B. is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Elva Clark, who remained by his side through every season of life. During O.B.'s final years, Elva served as his devoted and attentive caretaker, providing nearly all of his care with unwavering love, patience, and strength. Her dedication allowed him to remain at home, surrounded by comfort and dignity.

He is also survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His children include Rebecca Lynn Culler (Mark), Lorri Beth Morlan, and Roger Clark (Lacie), all born of his first marriage to Donna Clark. Through his marriage to Elva, O.B.'s family grew to include her children, Nathan Zimmerman (Kim) and Christina Coffield (Daniel), whom he embraced wholeheartedly as his own.

O.B.'s grandchildren include: Erin Hohman (Jamie), Bethany Arand (Ben), Leslie Clark, Keaton Clark (Anna), Abigail Zimmerman, Madelyn Coffield, Noah Coffield, Amelia Coffield, Sutton Shook, and Finley Shook. O.B. was blessed with six great grandchildren who brought joy to his later years, including Aden, Rilyn, Grayson, Lauren, Everett, and Kaius.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orrin Lorenzo Clark and Anna Rea Clark, and by his sister, Rita Nesselhauf, and her husband Greg.

A man of purpose, discipline, and devotion, O.B. leaves behind a legacy defined by service, leadership, and faith. He was also a gifted storyteller whose humor, memory, and presence enriched every gathering. His impact will continue to be felt across the cooperative community, throughout the region he served, and within the family and friends who loved him deeply.

Donations in O.B.'s honor may be made to New Life Assembly of God Church in Barnett, Missouri (https://www.newlifebarnett.org/give).

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, February 28th, at the New Life Assembly of God Church in Barnett with Pastor J.D. Montgomery officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow in the Versailles Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 27th, at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be left online at www.kidwellgarber.com. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.