Longtime Lebanon businessman Richard “Dick’’ Clark, 84, of Lebanon, died Sunday, May 8, 2022, at his home.
He was born Jan. 13, 1938, in Springfield, Mo. to Henry B. “Bud’’ and Dorothy Demuth Clark.
“Dick,’’ as he was called by family and friends was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James Whitley Clark; and several aunts.
He was born and raised in Laclede County, near Lebanon, and was a direct descendant of two Laclede County pioneer families, both the Clarks and the Demuths, who were instrumental in the development of the Lebanon Wholesale Grocers. Although Dick was very humble and quiet about his family history, he was proud to be associated with the business history that began with his family. Dick graduated from Lebanon High School and then attended Drury University for a couple of years, where he played golf and basketball. He founded and operated Clarks Men’s Wear in downtown Lebanon, a business which he ran for 50 years. He belonged to the Lebanon Country Club and enjoyed playing golf throughout his life. He liked sports of all kinds and was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Dick was a longtime member of the First Christian Church in Lebanon, where again his family was a part of the church history for many years.
He is survived by two sons, Tony Clark and his wife Tara of Boston, Mass. and Ryan Clark and his wife Amy, of Kansas City, Mo.; four grandchildren, Hollen, Darren, Brendan and Mason; as well as a host of other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services for Richard “Dick’’ Clark will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2002, at the First Christian Church, 500 South Madison in Lebanon.
Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon.
Visitation will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.
A memorial has been established for the First Christian Church and contributions may be made through the funeral home.
For more information or to visit the website go to www.holmanhowe.com.
