John L. Clark, Jr.
September 15, 1937 ~ January 17, 2021
John Lewis Clark, Jr., Col, USMC (Ret.), 83, passed away January 17, 2021. John was the son of John Lewis and Hope Ann Clark, born in Evanston, Illinois on September 15, 1937. His family later moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he spent his early years.
John proudly served his country for twenty-five years in the United States Marine Corps, 1958-1983. A Navy aviator, he began his pilot training at NAS Pensacola. He was awarded the Silver Star for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with the O-1 Detachment, Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2) - Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on May 5, 1968. He was also awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star for his participation in action in Vietnam as a forward air control pilot in observation aircraft and as a tactical air control pilot in A-4 Skyhawk jet over North Vietnam. Other medals awarded were the Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.
Later in his military career, John earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from Pepperdine University and served in the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Upon retirement, he created and ran his own business Clark International, as an Investment Banker for several years. He was the CEO of Aviabellanca Aircraft Corporation, where he continued to enjoy flying.
John had many passions and hobbies throughout his life, but some of his favorites were acting and singing. He had a wonderful singing voice and so does his wife Judy. They enjoyed singing at many local events. John and Judy sang with a big band called the St. Thom Cats for several years. He was an avid reader and bird watcher over the years. He was a very loving and kind man who enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting with friends.
Gone, but never forgotten,
John is survived by a loving family, his beloved wife Judith L. Clark, brother George Clark and Phyllis Clark (spouse), sister Virginia Bailey, children John Lewis Clark III, Lisa Clark Miller and James Miller (spouse), grand-daughter Anna Miller. Nieces and nephews Carey and Eric Renn (spouse), children Caden and Morgan Renn, Matt Teemer and Raina Teemer (daughter). Judy’s loving family includes Donna Dolinger (daughter), James Dolinger (son), and his fiancé Cindy Lewis, Karen and Geoff Archer (daughter and son-in-law). Grand-children Alex and Kate Archer, Scott and Sierra Archer, Heather and Danielle Dolinger. Close relatives include Michael and Erin Dolinger, Myles Dolinger, Trish Murphy and Lara Entzian Bruner.
The funeral will be held at a date to be determined by Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the ‘The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research’ at https://www.michaeljfox.org.
John proudly served his country for twenty-five years in the United States Marine Corps, 1958-1983. A Navy aviator, he began his pilot training at NAS Pensacola. He was awarded the Silver Star for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with the O-1 Detachment, Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2) - Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on May 5, 1968. He was also awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star for his participation in action in Vietnam as a forward air control pilot in observation aircraft and as a tactical air control pilot in A-4 Skyhawk jet over North Vietnam. Other medals awarded were the Navy Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.
Later in his military career, John earned his master’s degree in Public Administration from Pepperdine University and served in the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Upon retirement, he created and ran his own business Clark International, as an Investment Banker for several years. He was the CEO of Aviabellanca Aircraft Corporation, where he continued to enjoy flying.
John had many passions and hobbies throughout his life, but some of his favorites were acting and singing. He had a wonderful singing voice and so does his wife Judy. They enjoyed singing at many local events. John and Judy sang with a big band called the St. Thom Cats for several years. He was an avid reader and bird watcher over the years. He was a very loving and kind man who enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting with friends.
Gone, but never forgotten,
John is survived by a loving family, his beloved wife Judith L. Clark, brother George Clark and Phyllis Clark (spouse), sister Virginia Bailey, children John Lewis Clark III, Lisa Clark Miller and James Miller (spouse), grand-daughter Anna Miller. Nieces and nephews Carey and Eric Renn (spouse), children Caden and Morgan Renn, Matt Teemer and Raina Teemer (daughter). Judy’s loving family includes Donna Dolinger (daughter), James Dolinger (son), and his fiancé Cindy Lewis, Karen and Geoff Archer (daughter and son-in-law). Grand-children Alex and Kate Archer, Scott and Sierra Archer, Heather and Danielle Dolinger. Close relatives include Michael and Erin Dolinger, Myles Dolinger, Trish Murphy and Lara Entzian Bruner.
The funeral will be held at a date to be determined by Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the ‘The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research’ at https://www.michaeljfox.org.
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The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director
Dad, you will remain forever in my heart, your loving daughter, Lisa
A candle was lit for the decedent.
I remember John as a man who faced life head-on, neither timid in words or actions. A good man. A man who loved his family and country, and lived long enough to give to both. May death not be an ending, but a journey through a star gate into a new world. If so, then I wish this for John for I am sure he will have more to say, and more to give. With love and sympathy Linda Clark
Thinking of you and the family during this difficult time–Linda Clark
John will be sorely missed and always loved. “Papa John” was/is an inspiration to us all and I will miss his wisdom and philosophical talks. God bless you Papa John, you are most certainly in heaven. Jim and Cindy
In loving memory of our great “Papa John” Thank you for loving us. Jim, Cindy, Heather, and Dani
A candle was lit for the decedent.
John and Lisa: Thinking of you both and sending lots of love your way. Cherie
My Dearest John, From your brilliant military career to your life as a loving husband, father and friend, you were a most outstanding person. I feel lucky to have known you, and I was honored to have been your wife. I have always loved you, I love you now and I will love you forever. Judy
My love for you is eternal.
I’m going to miss you so much. Love, Anna.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Missing you more each day.
Missing you this Father’s day.