The Patriarch of our family, Thomas “Larry” Clark, went to his forever home on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 4:28am. There is no doubt his loving wife, Betty and son, John, were there to greet him and escort him into the pearly gates where pain and suffering are no more. `We can only imagine what a reunion that must have been.
Larry was born on May 2, 1940, to the late John “Mabe” and Bernadette Clark. He married the love of his life, Betty Boarman Clark, in March 1966 and they spent 52 years together until her passing in 2018. Together they raised 4 sons.
Larry retired from Whirlpool after 36 years of service where he always had a bargain to sell his fellow workers.
From a young age, he was crafty at making a dollar. His favorite pastime was making something out of nothing while tinkering in the garage. This included hillbilly dust pans, license plate and tin can bird houses. Larry was always a happy person, but he would joke that one of his disappointments was having to spend $4.68 on a box of nails to build a 14′ x 20′ Florida room at the lake. Only those people who knew him would totally understand.
Betty, Larry, their boys and extended family enjoyed spending time at their cabin “Gopher Holler” in Axtel at Rough River. There they formed friendships that would last a lifetime. That was their home away from home.
Larry was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Clark and son John Patrick Clark. Also preceding him were his parents and sister, Sharon Whittinghill.
Larry wore many hats. Many called him friend, but those who loved him and will miss him most called him Dad, Papaw, Granddad and Pa Larry. Those left to carry on his legacy are his 4 sons, Bob (Kathy) Clark, Mike (Christie) Clark and Jeff (Holly) Clark. He was so proud of his boys and they will gladly carry on his legacy with the great pride he instilled in them. In the end, his sons knew how fortunate they were to have a cool dad.
Grandchildren Dawn (Jassen) Dickey, Monica (Matt) Lampton, Erica (Cuba) Hagan, Heath (Shelby) Peach, Hayden Clark, USN, Brady Clark, Ryan White Dejarnatt and Johnathon Clark, USAF. He also had 11 great grandchildren. Brother Danny Clark and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in laws.
Special thanks to nephew Scott Boarman and family friend Annette Howard for giving Larry the loving care he deserved during his illness. Also, to Geri Jones, Eucharistic Minister from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, who faithfully brought Larry communion every week which was the highlight of his Sunday. Also, the nurses, doctors and volunteers with Hospice and Heartford House for giving our father the dignified care he so deserved. To all who visited, called and prayed for Larry during his illness, we say thank you. It was much needed and so appreciated.
Mass of a Christian Burial will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Pat Reynolds presiding. Friends and family are invited to visitation on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm with prayers being said at 6:30. Visitation will resume on Tuesday from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy can take donation to Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303 and Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen’s Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301. Envelopes will be provided.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Thomas “Larry” Clark care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Clark and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.