Stephen "Steve" D. Clark

Stephen Clark, beloved husband & father, formerly of Independence MO, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Stephen was born on April 18, 1947, in Kansas City, MO. He grew up in the Northeast area of Kansas City and graduated from Northeast High School in 1965. He met the love of his life, Wilma, thanks to his aunt Mary, who encouraged him to ask the girl down the street to the high school dance. Steve & Wilma married in May 1968 in Kansas City, KS and moved to Independence, MO in July 1973, where they would raise a family of 2 children along with multiple dogs, birds and fish over the years.

Steve began his career as a photographer with Campus Photo taking school photos across the KC area. He eventually moved on to a long career as a route salesman for Manor Bread, which later become Rainbo, Colonial, & Sara Lee Bread. He was known for his friendliness and unwavering work ethic which meant waking up at 2 AM everyday and braving hazardous weather so the people of Kansas City could find bread on the shelves for the next winter storm. After his retirement he continued his service to the community working for a funeral home maintaining their auto fleet and as a delivery driver for a local pharmacy.

Steve was the official taste-tester for Wilma's delicious home cooking and a fan of the Royals, Chiefs, NASA and music, often showing off his one song on the piano or conducting an orchestra from the driver’s seat of his car. He took pride in taking care of his house and the family cars, but most importantly, his friends and family. He was loyal and tremendously devoted to friends, family and neighbors; his home and heart were always open to anyone in need. Steve could fix anything with a roll of duct tape, a can of WD-40 and his unique brand of ingenuity. He was amazingly good looking and unlike everyone else, he didn’t age a bit. Steve and Wilma were proud members of First Christian Church in Independence MO, where Steve served as a deacon and ran the sound system at 10 decibels higher than necessary during worship services.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred & Louella, and his brother Dennis Sr.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Wilma, his ‘favorite’ daughter Sheri Jackson & son in law Brian, his ‘favorite’ son Kenneth Clark & daughter in law Paola, other family and great friends who became family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel in Independence, MO with burial to follow in Bethel Cemetery in Kearney, MO. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Monday evening at the chapel. Steve will be immensely missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him. To the end, Steve was devoted to taking care of Wilma. To honor his dedication to her we ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions go to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)