The Life of Earl Arthur Clark
Earl Arthur Clark was born May 28, 1924 in Sidney, Illinois and passed away October 12, 2017 in Corbin, Kentucky at 93 years of age due to complications of heart disease. He moved to Corbin at a young age and always considered Corbin his true home. When WWII started he went to Baltimore, MD to work in a defense plant then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He survived the major campaigns of Saipan and Okinawa as a front-line combat squad leader, earned the Purple Heart, commendations for heroism and was a proud Marine his entire civilian life.
Following the war he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. There he married, raised a family and spent 32 years working as a lineman for Cincinnati Bell Telephone. He was a hard worker and earned the nickname of “Hoss” by his co-workers. He was the first to show up for work in the morning and the first one they called out for emergencies; often in the middle of the night. An avid volunteer he was active in the Methodist Church and spent many years with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). In 1970 he was selected to receive the Silver Beaver, BSA’s highest volunteer award. He was a respected gardener providing produce for his friends and neighbors. His ability to transform poor ground into fertile soil and bountiful gardens garnered him the spotlight in several local newspapers. After the passing of his wife Edith in 1989 he returned to Corbin. It was during this time he was re-introduced to his school sweetheart, Doris, who had also lost a spouse. They married and spent the next 25 years enjoying retirement and their extended families.
Earl was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Face Clark of Cincinnati, OH, brothers Evin and JB of Corbin, Martin of New Jersey and his twin sister Annabelle Clark Polley of Covington, KY.
Survivors include his wife Doris Owens Clark, sons; Edwin (Cheryl) of Harrison, OH, and Tyler (Sharon) of Sedro Woolley, WA. , grandchildren; Eric Clark, Jamie (Kim) Clark, Sarah (Adam) Aspaw, Rachel (Daniel) Rigdon-Bel, Nathan (Stephanie) Clark, Elizabeth Clark and numerous great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. In addition his adopted family of Michael (Connie) Owens, Vickie (Ted) Rich and Bob (Donna) Owens and all of their kids and grandkids treated Earl like family, as he did them.
The families of Earl and Doris wish to thank Dr. Turner of Grace Health, the staff of Baptist Health Hospital and the many neighbors and friends for their care, love and support
Filter Earl Arthur Clark's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
Military Service
War:
World War II
Branch:
Marines
Rank:
Unknown
Comments:
He survived the major campaigns of Saipan and Okinawa as a front-line combat squad leader, earned the Purple Heart, commendations for heroism and was a proud Marine his entire civilian life.