Clark Evans Downs

07/30/1946 - 04/14/2025

July 30, 1946 – April 14, 2025

Clark Evans Downs passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, shortly before sunrise. Born in Boston, Massachusetts to Josephine Evans Downs and Willis Addison Downs, he grew up in Brockton where he attended public schools. At sixteen, he was accepted to Kenyon College. Though his first year was devoted more to bridge, guitar, drinking and partying than academics, Clark's journey soon took a more focused turn.

After working on an assembly line at a local factory and attending night school, Clark enrolled as a full-time student at Boston University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in English Literature. That summer, he married Emilie Hartnett in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and began law school at Boston University. His studies were interrupted when he received his draft notice. Following basic and advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, Clark was sent to Vietnam.

Upon his discharge, Clark returned to his legal education, serving on BU Law Review and graduating with honors. He began his legal career in Chicago at Isham, Lincoln and Beale, becoming a partner in 1978. Later he and his family moved to Washington, DC where Clark led the firm's Washington office. Some years later he joined Jones Day where he remained until retirement.

Clark was widely regarded as an expert in the utility industry, with a distinguished legal career spanning several decades. He was an active member of the American Bar Association,, the District of Columbia Bar and the Federal Energy Bar Association. Throughout his career, Clark served on numerous advisory committees within the energy sector, where his insights and leadership helped shape regulatory and policy developments. His deep understanding of utility law and commitment to public service earned him a respected reputation among industry peers.

In retirement, Clark pursued a spiritual calling, earning a Master of Divinity from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. He served as a seminarian, hospital chaplain, and active member of the Episcopalian community, continuing his lifelong commitment to service.

Clark was a gifted musician and vocalist, at one time, an avid rower on the Potomac, and a dedicated cyclist who rode in century events to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He gave generously of his time and resources to support the homeless in Washington, DC and served on numerous boards, including Berkeley Divinity School, the Vestry of the Church of the Redeemer Bethesda, and the DC Bar's Lawyers' Assistance Program. A friend of Bill's for many decades, Clark mentored and supported many on the path to recovery. He was for many years a member of the humanitarian charity Order of St. John and a member of the Chevy Chase Club.

Clark is survived by his beloved wife Emilie, daughter Elizabeth Morgan Downs O'Donnell (Sean), grandson Gavin William Robertson, siblings Mary Downs, Peter Downs, and Diana; aunt Vivian Evans many nieces and nephews, and his Minnesota cousins. He was pre-deceased by his beloved daughter Julia Clark Downs, sister Elizabeth Downs and his parents.

A service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Episcopal Church Of The Redeemer, Bethesda. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Clark's name may be made to:

The Church of the Redeemer Bethesda
www.redeemerbethesda.org
Frances Miller Health Law Scholarship at Boston University
www.bu.edu/law/alumni/give-back/charitable-gifts/named-scholarship-funds
Berkeley Divinity School at Yale
https://berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/give
The Potomac Conservancy
www.potomac.org