Robert Clark

Notes:

Robert Clark, age 84, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away Friday, February 15, 2013, at Centerville Nursing and Rehab in Centerville.

He was born September 7, 1928, in Hampton, Tennessee, to Arthur and Nola (Tolley) Clark.

After graduating from high school in the spring of 1946, Robert enlisted in the United States Army. During his two year span with the Army, Robert was stationed in Vienna, Austria, where he ran a hotel for both officers and transits.

He later enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Norfork, Virginia and Olathe, Kansas. Robert was a cook and ran the NCO Club at the naval airbase in Olathe. At the end of his naval career, he was in charge of a galley with the USS Gearing DD710 medical fleet. Robert was medically discharged from the Navy in 1955. He served his country honorably for nearly a decade.

Robert married Mary "Delores" Marchello on September 23, 1949, and to this union three children were born. He later married Sherry Blomgren on December 31, 1985, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Centerville.

Following his military career, Robert moved to Centerville in 1955. It was during this time period that he began working part time with the postal service. His career eventually became full time during the mid- to late 1950s. Robert was appointed as the acting Centerville postmaster in 1968. He served the Centerville Community faithfully until his retirement from the post office in December of 1989.

Robert was very active in numerous groups during his lifetime. He was an active member of the Jaycees. When he had returned from the Service in 1955, Robert and other farmers used their equipment to clean up and expand the Lelah Bradley Park in Centerville. He was also both a member and president of the Appanoose County Fair Board for several years. Robert was proud to be a member of NAPUS (National Association of Postmasters of United States). He was also a member of Mystic American Legion Post #340. Robert was proud to be a Shriner. During his time with the Shriners, he helped introduce the shriner's cars in the Pancake Day Parade in the early 1970s.

Most importantly, Robert was a devout Christian. He was an active member of the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene in Moravia, Iowa.

He enjoyed numerous hobbies and passions. Robert loved traveling, including several trips to Alaska. During his time in Alaska he often enjoyed the Fiddle Festival in Fairbanks, as well as the Yukon Quest Dog Race. He also made many trips to Tennessee to visit both family and friends. He loved catering for people and was well known for striking up friendships wherever he went. Robert was also known for being an author in which he wrote numerous books on his family history.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Clark, of Centerville, Iowa; six children, Brad (Mary) Clark, Bruce (Cathy) Clark, Bryon (Margaret) Clark, Steve Bunch, Kevin Bunch and Michelle (Hugh) Scieszinski; fifteen grandchildren, Jenny (Jake) Bates, Seth (Megan) Clark, Michael (Molly) Clark, Megan (Colby) Law, Nathan Clark, Tasha (Terry) Schnathorst, Eric Clark, Gerald Clark, Stephan Bunch, Katie (Bryce) Oswalt, Whitney (PJ) Tedford, Susanne Scieszinski, Jacob Scieszinski, Mallory Scieszinski, and Jayden Scieszinski; eight great grandchildren, Narayan Funk-Clark, Calla and Annaliese Bates, Liam and Julia Clark, and Leah, Abi, Elayna Tedford; and a brother, Byrl (Kansas) Clark, of Hampton, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings, Mildred Delena and Arvil Clark.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM Tuesday morning, February 19, 2013, at the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene, Moravia, Iowa, with Pastor Terry Chapman officiating.

Friends may call from 1 PM until 8 PM Monday, February 18, 2013, with family there from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Lange Funeral Home & Crematory in Centerville.

Burial will be in the Felkner Cemetery, west of Centerville, with full military honors.