Patrick O. Clark

The man, the myth, the legend 

 

Patrick Owen Clark (also known as Pat and PO), a retired Senior Master Sergeant of the US. Air Force, met St. Peter at the pearly gates after an adventurous full life on August 30, 2024. He passed at the ripe old age of 82. As he approached his final days, he often boasted about outliving most of the Clarks before him. 

 

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Kay Clark (Butler), of just shy of 59 years of marriage. As Pat tells it, it was love at first sight. After two years of courtship, they married and traveled the world, as a result of his military service. They settled in Arkansas and began a family: Case Patrick Clark, Kelly Rae Espinda, and Katie Lynn Turner. The family continued to grow with children-in-law, Lisa Dunaway (formerly married to Case), Alika Espinda (married to Kelly), and Edwin “Ed” Turner (married to Katie.) Grandchildren include Sierra and Brayden Clark (Case), Alexander and Aaron Espinda (Kelly), and Edwin “EJ” Turner (Katie). He is also survived by his sister, Patricia McGurk, and his sister-in-law, Patricia “Patti” Clark.

 

He was preceded in death by his mother Theresa Jacobs, his father Nathaniel Clark, and his brother Nathaniel “Buttons” Clark.

 

Patrick loved to keep busy, acquiring new knowledge, and perfecting whatever he took on. In his youth, he enjoyed building boats, then later built muscle cars. When the kids came, he swapped out the muscle cars to build and repair go karts, dune buggies, and the like for his 3 rambunctious kids. After 26 ½ years of service in the Air Force and an additional 20+ years working in Avionics in the private sector, Pat took up genealogy in his retirement. He continued the tradition he started with his children and taught his grandchildren to ride four wheelers and motorcycles in the field laughing as he bumped their bumpers. EJ (Edwin Turner IV) came too late and enjoyed many bouncy seat push-along cars. 

 

Those that knew him well would say he loved to tell stories There was never a short visit, and you left being an expert on mesomorphs, pheromones, and whatever “research” he recently read. He often shared his stories of his childhood as “Desaluoni (Crazy Half Breed)" on the reservation, his love affair with Linda, and his many military stories. Among the favorites are the dog-monkey, bologna story and putting his cigarette out on his member. 

 

If you were picked on you could count yourself among the lucky ones that could call him friend, husband, father, grandpa mentor, or confidante. He had a zest for knowledge and a zeal for sharing what he knew. He was always a leader, the person you go to for advice or guidance on anything.

 

The world was a better place with him in it and his absence will be felt forever by those he loved and those that loved him. Pat was never one for the emotional stuff but would rather laugh and tell stories. Instead of shedding a tear, share a story or a fond memory so he can live in our hearts forever. 

 

Visitation will be held Tuesday September 10th at 9:30-10:30 am at Smith Funeral Home 1921 Main St. North Little Rock, AR. Procession will begin immediately after to the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery 1501 W. Maryland Ave. North Little Rock, 72120 for Military Funeral Honors.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.