Robert "Bob" Clark (Humansville)'s Obituary
Robert Lee (“Bob”) Clark had two birthdays. He was born on September 11, 1941, but his birth certificate said October 11, 1941. Those who love him were never sure if that was because the world was twice blessed to have him, or because it took a month for everyone to adjust to his arrival. Perhaps it was both. For all of his years, up until the moment on November 10, 2016, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, that he moved on to his eternal home in heaven, he had a tremendous impact on the lives of all who knew him.
None were more blessed by Bob than his family. He is survived by his loving wife Betty (Hoerning) of 35 years. Bob often said that Betty was his life, and he did all that he could to make a good life for her and their six surviving children: Brenda Tucker and husband Tom, and Gary Clark, all of Humansville; Andy Clark and wife Janet of Fort Leonard Wood; Kathy O’Connor and husband Howard, and Debbie Burns and husband Robbin, all of Stockton; and Patti Killingsworth and husband Alan of Fairview, Tennessee. Bob was deeply committed to his family, and loved few things more than having everyone together. Every phone call included the question, “When are you coming up?” And it was never soon enough.
Bob’s grandchildren loved spending time at the house, eating good food, maybe playing some ball, flying kites and climbing up the trees to get the kites down, riding golf carts and mules, just being together. The Christmas tree always overflowed with presents, and the house overflowed with love and laughter. Surviving grandchildren include Amanda Bays and husband Brian, Barrett Krtek and wife Chelsea, Devin, Abby, Ashley, Hunter, and Brady Clark, Anthony, Aaron and Drew Clark, Tyler Burns and wife Camille, Kyla Fisher and husband Jared, Junae Ficken and husband Luke, and Jasmyn Carbin and husband Cordaro.
Wanting to make certain that their time together would go on forever, granddaughter Amanda made sure that Bob knew he needed a testimony of salvation that he had confidence in, and that he knew in his heart where he would spend eternity. Betty stood by his side, patting her heart, telling Bob you have to feel it right here. While Bob struggled toward the end of his life to talk, the pat on his heart, the big smile on his face, and his distinctly clear “peace” offered a firm testimony that Bob’s salvation was settled once and for all and that he was heaven-bound.
Bob also loved family reunions with his brothers and sisters and their families, complete with more good food and lots of fun. He is survived by 8 of his 10 siblings: Patsy McClellan, Ralph Clark and wife Lynn, Anne Mitchell and husband Johnny, Eileen Busick, Lonnie Clark and wife Wilma, Jerry Clark and wife Jan, Janice Casteel and husband Rick, and Wilma Elam and husband Kenny.
Bob was greeted in heaven by his parents Virgil and Minnie (Perryman), sisters Pauline and Mary Lou Clark, brother-in-law “Mac” McClellan, grandson Jensen Killingsworth, and nephews Greg and Sammy Clark.
Bob was a familiar face, bright and early most mornings at the local coffee shops, where he enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors, and catching up on all the latest news.
Bob got his start in the furniture business in Bolivar and Humansville and with wife Betty at his side, for 35 years, served people by helping them make their homes and their community a better place to live. Whether he was hanging Christmas lights around town, frying hamburgers at the Fall Festival, or serving on the City Council or Chamber of Commerce, he was always there, trying to help out.
Bob wanted the best for everybody, which meant that he expected a lot from them—but never more than he demanded of himself. Bob didn’t just work to live, he lived to work, and worked to instill that same ethic in his children and grandchildren.
There was little Bob did to relax. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and camping, but even then, found ways to turn play into work. He loved farming, taking care of cattle, anything that kept his hands and his mind busy.
A sometimes gruff exterior served only to protect a tender heart. He might tell you what he thought, but then he’d do anything he could to help you out.
Nothing about Bob was slow or quiet. From his “Hey!!!” when someone walked into the room to the break-neck pace at which he did everything, you couldn’t help but feel welcome and perhaps a bit tired in his presence. When his children took Bob on a cruise to relax, they found him rearranging the chairs on the deck and cooking waffles for other passengers in the lobby of the ship.
While he will be sorely missed by all who knew him, we feel certain Bob hasn’t stopped or even slowed down; he has only changed locations—catching up with friends and family, doing all he can to help out, and making heaven a better place to live until we see him again.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM 7:00 PM, Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the Butler Funeral Home in Humansville, Missouri.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 13, 2016, at the Humansville United Methodist Church, with Rev. Kent Parson officiating.
Burial will follow the funeral service and take place at the Stockton Cemetery, in Stockton, Missouri, with Tyler Burns, Barret Krtek, Devin Clark, Anthony Clark, Drew Clark, and Aarron Clark serving as casket bearers.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert "Bob"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert "Bob"?
Share a story where Robert "Bob"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert "Bob" you’ll never forget.
How did Robert "Bob" make you smile?
