Vernon Clark

Vernon C. Clark, age 89 of Leonardville, passed away on June 27, 2026 at the Leonardville Nursing Home. He died in peace knowing that he had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and was ready to go to his eternal home in heaven.

He was born on April 11, 1937, in Vermillion, South Dakota, the son of Theodore Clark and Bella Richer. He was one of two sons and five sisters. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Marines obtaining the rank of Sergeant, receiving numerous awards for marksmanship. After his miliary service was completed, he met and married JoAnn (Rezac) from Gregory, South Dakota, four children were born from that union. He excelled in his career in the private sector serving as Chief of the Corp of Engineers at Fort Riley. From there he started his own construction business in Texas working on large projects such as the Dallas Fort Worth Airport and many High-rise projects in downtown Houston. He ended his career living in Anchorage, Alaska, retiring from the Trans-Alaska Pipeline as an Inspector. In addition, he was a licensed private pilot.

He had many hobbies, however, his first love was flying airplanes. He owned a twin-engine Moony Cadet accumulating many flight hours over the years. On his 80th birthday, he was given a special gift, the privilege to fly once again the same model plane with a Kansas State University pilot at the Salina Aviation Campus. After he landed, he said it was just like riding a bike. In addition, he loved to fly remote-controlled planes and was a member of several clubs.

He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Sandra (Ernie) Hoffman, Glenn Clark, and Cindy (Art) Sias all residing in Leonardville, Kansas and Roger (Christy) Clark of Kirbyville, Missouri, sisters Rita See of Sun City, Arizona, and Sharon Ridgeway, Mitchell, South Dakota, plus nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents, three sisters, one brother, two nieces, and three nephews.

He was loved and will be greatly missed.

A private graveside service will be held. Memorials may be made to the Crossroads Baptist Church Youth Ministry Fund and may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.