Larry L. Clark, 76, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away at his home, Wednesday August 11th, 2022. He was born January 31, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to E.M and Estella Clark. He was a long time resident of Springfield, a veteran, a writer and poet, an athlete, scholar, husband and father, and as everyone knew, brilliant of mind.

Larry had a gentle spirit and a natural gift for music growing up in a minister's family in the Assemblies of God. Whenever the church doors were open, all the family could be found there. His father played guitar, his mother the piano. The children, Elaine, Larry and Vernon soon began singing together and were known as The Clark Trio. They sang wherever they were invited—civic clubs, school assemblies, radio, TV, and all varieties of churches. Larry, the youngest of the Trio, sang the lead so strong and effortlessly. He was really the 'star' and could take on those high endings. Then afterwards, he was the little boy who got the hugs of appreciation.

A natural athlete, Larry, along with his older brother, picked up baseball early and was very active in little league. As a high school student in Springfield, Illinois, Larry excelled in football and served as team captain. He received a number of excellent college scholarship opportunities and elected to attend Kansas State University. Later he transferred to Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. He received his Master's Degree in Literature and Creative Writing from Sangamon State University, now University of Illinois Springfield.

In 1967, Larry was married to Maryjo Williams. Then, in 1968, he joined in the Army serving as an Intelligence Specialist based at the headquarters of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. Their son, Jon, was born there.

In the springtime of his life, Larry Clark's light shined brightly. His talents and spirit offered enduring gifts to those around him. Larry continued to help us see ourselves with more clarity in subsequent years, even as he confronted the most serious storms that life can unleash. He was a survivor of serious mental illness which he faced with remarkable courage. Those closest to Larry were always comforted to see him appreciating time with family, seeing friends, sharing a meal, remembering a story...a song.

His family and everyone who knew Larry's gentleness, grace, humor and courage will miss him dearly.

Larry Clark is survived by his son, Jon Adrian Clark, his granddaughters, Ashley and Shelby Clark, his great grandson, River Titus Hedstrom, sister, Elaine Clark Johnson, brother, Admiral Vern Clark, and mother of their son, Maryjo Williams his life long friend.

Larry left this world giving us the peace and assurance that he is with his Creator and Lord Jesus Christ. He might even be singing this familiar strain,

Now don't you weep for me when I'm gone

'Cause I won't have to leave here alone. . .

Heaven is near and I can't stay here

Goodbye World Goodbye.

A private graveside service will be held at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens.