Donald “Don” L. Clark, son of Lester H. Clark and Ruby (King) Clark-Doty, was born July 30, 1932 in Pulaski County, Missouri in the Hazelgreen Community. He passed away Friday, June 19, 2026, at Lebanon South Nursing and Rehab in Lebanon, Missouri. He was ninety-three years, ten months and twenty days of age.
Don grew up in Hazelgreen and attended the Independence and Bellfonte rural schools. These schools were later consolidated with Richland and Waynesville Schools. Don then attended Richland Schools until 1943 when he moved with his family to Waynesville, Missouri and graduated from Waynesville High School at the age of sixteen.
Don went to work for Laclede Electric Cooperative in Waynesville on December 12, 1949, and was there until he was called to serve his country during the Korean War. After his time in the United States Army, Don returned to Laclede Electric where he had a long and successful career.
On April 6, 1957, Don was united in marriage to Shirley B. Wade and to this union, two daughters were born, Iris Ann and Sherri Lynn. Together they shared sixty-nine wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with faith, family, hard work, laughter and love.
Don was very active in the Waynesville community by serving on the City Council, the Waynesville School Board, the Waynesville Rotary and other committees. He was instrumental in starting the Waynesville Park System.
Don accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of eleven. Don served his church faithfully as a fifty year Deacon and served in other capacities as well. He went on Mission trips in the United States and foreign countries. He and Shirley were charter members of Westside Baptist Church in Waynesville. They attended there until 1986 when they moved to Lebanon and joined First Baptist Church, Lebanon. He continued to serve as Deacon and was active in many other areas of the church. Don was on the building committee to have the sanctuary built at First Baptist Church.
After moving to Lebanon, Don continued his service with the Rotary Club and was named “Rotarian of the Year.” He served on the bank Board of Directors at Boatman’s Bank and most recently Heritage Bank of the Ozarks. In 2024, Don was placed on the Wall of Honor in Lebanon. He also represented the Rural Electric Cooperatives of Missouri on the National Board in Washington D.C.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ruby; his brothers, Walter and Bueford Clark; and his sister, Neva Williams.
Don is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Clark; his daughters, Iris MacGowan and her husband John of Nixa, Missouri and Sherri Lynn Hammock of Waynesville, Missouri; four grandchildren, Shane Barnhart and his wife Sara of Republic, Missouri, Justin Barnhart and his wife Leah of Clever, Missouri and Nathan Hammock and his wife Kimberly of Waynesville, Missouri, and Briana Barnhart; and four great-grandchildren, Mason Hammock, Anniston Hammock, Grayson Barnhart and Averia Barnhart; other relatives; many friends and business associates; and his church family.
Don loved and cherished his wife, his daughters, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a caring and trusted neighbor and friend. Don was a good, honorable man who loved and trusted God, was an encourager, worked hard, and always tried to do the right thing. He lived the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Don will be missed by his family and friends. We can rejoice knowing he is with his Heavenly Father in Heaven.
Funeral services for Donald “Don’’ Clark were held Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Lebanon, Missouri. Visitation was Tuesday, June 23, 2026, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Burial was in Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery, with full military rites.
A memorial has been established for First Baptist Church or Missions, and contributions may be left at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Lebanon, Missouri.
Arrangements are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Mo.
For more information or to visit the website go to www.holmanhowe.com.
June 30, 2026 Update: updated body of text, photos, headline, subheading, and formatting.
