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OLIVER CLARK Obituary


  
OLIVER NATHANIEL CLARK  
On April 20, 2015, Oliver N. Clark died at age 86 at home in Lanham, MD, after a brief battle with prostate cancer. He was born in Delray Beach, FL, from the union between Ernest Wilson Clark and Agnes Levita Clark. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 47 years, Shirley Catheryn Houston Clark; his brothers, Wilton A. Clark, Sr. and Harold R. Clark, Sr. and sister, Violet C. Gregg. He was a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University ('53) Bachelors of Science, Cum Laude and Howard University ('57) Masters in Physics. He served in the newly-created Air Force with honorably discharge in 1950. He worked at the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) at its inception and spent the majority of his career there retiring in 1984. He has mentored many, was friend to many and volunteered for many activities including the PTA, the Whitfield Gardens Association, and his church for over 30 years, St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. He contributed to innumerable charities and causes. Memorial Services took place on May 2, 2015. He leaves to mourn his children, Kerry Houston Clark (Margaret), Linda Clark Lewis (Wardell) and Penny Clark Diggs (Joseph); his grandchildren, Jason and Serita Lewis, Deborah and Danielle Clark; his sisters, Ruby Young and Beatrice Merritt; many devoted nieces, nephews, family and friends. Donations may be made in his name to Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, 175 NW 5th Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on May 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Brian Merritt

April 24, 2021

Uncle Oliver! You are never forgotten. You are remembered by your strong values, commitment to God, and dedication to family. I appreciated your care, guidance, love, and even humor you consistently provided Keith and I. You were and are a rich blessing! More love, Nephew - Brian Merritt & the Merritt Family!

Kathy Dochez

November 27, 2019

Today, I just came across the obituary for Oliver Clark. ONC was my supervisor at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD from January 1969 to June 1970. I am sorry I didn't think to Google him a few years ago when I might have had the opportunity to thank him for mentoring me as a 20 year-old NASA programmer. I have thought quite often and fondly of Ollie over the years, remembering his incredible ability to debug machine code, his outstanding work ethic, and his penchant for enjoying fresh, exotic fruit such as mango!
I am happy to hear that he lived a long and fulfilling life and wanted to share my memories with his family and friends.

Amber (Clarke) Turner

June 25, 2015

This is beautiful to read Linda :)

Linda Clark Lewis

June 24, 2015

I forgot to sign my name to the last entry in honor of Dad on Father's Day.

June 24, 2015

I was thinking of you a lot this weekend, as we celebrated our first Father's Day without you. You led by example. You were a steady constant - we could always depend on you to be there and to do what you say. As a parent myself, I know that is extremely difficult. You were generous but not overindulgent. You wanted us to learn (but sometimes got a little frustrated with my lack of understanding in physics and geometry) and to experience as much as we could in life. Two trips across country by car??? There is so much I wish for my kids that my father gave us. Miss you much, Daddy.

Amber (Clarke) Turner

May 30, 2015

Great Uncle Oliver I will always remember how you made time for me. I loved to talk to you. You are so smart and you gave me practical life advice. Your guidance has stuck with me and it always will. God made our family so special and now you get to see all the good things to come in heaven with God. The impact you've made on those who know you is great. You will remain a part of my motivation for the life you chose to live and for your love. You have reached your prize and finished your race strong.

Keith Merritt

May 27, 2015

Uncle Oliver was a doer that loved his family and was actively committed to the community and church.

One of the qualities that I loved most was his clever blend of witt and spunk. He was clearly bright and truly inciteful.

Men like him don't come by everyday and he'll be sorely missed. I love you.

Keith Merritt

May 27, 2015

Uncle Oliver will always have a special place in my heart as he was a doer that loved his family and the community. He was also a man that wasn't afraid to share his opinion with a clever blend of spunk and humor.

Men like Unlce Oliver are rare in that for all that he's done career wise and for the family, he's never forgotten to lift as he climbed by being active in his church and in the community.

Thanks for always being there and being a great example of what a true man should be. You will be missed ... I love you.

Beatrice Merritt

May 26, 2015

My brother, Oliver, was a rare jewel who embodied so many great traits which made him a standout and my hero. He was caring, generous, inspiring, spiritual and had a wonderful sense of humor-a quick wit. Also, he had a tremendous love for family, friends and his/our "birthplace" community which helped mold him into the amazing human being and man he became (humble, selfless-the wind beneath many wings!).
Oliver made the world a better place. He was a joy and a blessing and I am proud and honored for having him as my brother. His spirit will lovingly remain in my heart always.
From his baby sister......

Memorial Day Weekend 2008

Linda Clark Lewis

May 25, 2015

Daddy-
You are with Mommy now. God bless you both for all you have instilled in my life and the lives of my family members. I miss you both every single day. How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me? To God be the glory for the things He has done. Rest well. With love and gratitude,
Linda

Isabelle Jones

May 25, 2015

What a wonderful, compassionate and caring person you were. I will truly miss the conversations and the time I spent with you. You were a great friend and father figure to me. I will truly miss you Heavenly Angel- Love You!

Monique Merritt

May 19, 2015

Who didn't love Uncle Oliver? He will be sorely missed.

Brian Merritt

May 6, 2015

Uncle Oliver was a man of integrity, purpose, and discipline but more importantly a man of love. He provided me access any time I needed advice, constructive feedback, or simple conversation. In short, he was a true man!....a loving man! "You will always be alive in spirit Uncle Oliver. I love you!"

Oliver Clark November 2014

Linda Clark Lewis

May 5, 2015

Oliver Clark Age 17

Linda Clark Lewis

May 5, 2015

Linda and Ronald Felton

May 1, 2015

Linda, Kerry and Penny,

We are so sorry for your lost. We will always have fond memories of both of your parents who were great neighbors. May God comfort you and your family at this difficult time.

April 30, 2015

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and hope in God's Word the Bible during this most difficult time.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

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