Robert Clark

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Robert Ozell Clark, 86, of rural Jonesboro and formerly of Painton, Mo., died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, at his home, surrounded by family.

He was born Oct. 1, 1923, in Sikeston, Mo., son of Benjamin Franklin and Nellie Mae Altom Clark. He married Freda Maxine Patterson on Jan. 2, 1946. She preceded him in death Sept. 26, 2006.

Robert served under Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, who personally transferred him to set up and manage the fuel base in Okinawa during World War II. In his early military service he played softball in Hawaii.

After returning home he continued his love for the game, playing for many years in Southeast Missouri, where he won three state championships, having pitched four perfect games and countless no-hitters. He was referred to as "Ironman Clark."

After moving to Illinois he continued pitching softball, earning quite a formidable reputation until the age of 65. In Illinois he was fondly known as "Pappie."

Robert was a Moorman Feed salesman as well as district manager more than 30 years. He was a dedicated farmer throughout his life. He had an avid passion for hunting and fishing.

Survivors include a son, Terry (Ramona) Clark of Jonesboro; a daughter, Dr. Gail (Mel) Dallas of Indianapolis; two grandsons, Sean (Shelly) Clark of Dongola, Ill., Clark Dallas of Indianapolis; two granddaughters, Jessi (Thomas) Watson of Anna, Ill., Britton Dallas of Indianapolis; two great-granddaughters, Adriana Clark of Equality, Ill., Payton Needham of Dongola; a great-grandson, Christopher Needham of Dongola; a brother, Bill (Peggy) Clark of Oran, Mo.; three sisters, Imogene Graviett of Oran, Glenda (Tharon) Anthony of Huntington, Md., Jane (Eugene) Roberts of Perris, Calif.; and a special friend, Mildred Boster of Columbia, Miss.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Freda; parents; a grandson, Matthew Clark; two brothers, Benjamin and Wayne Allen Clark; and a sister, Jesse Lucille Thackrey.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, with the Rev. Mark Roath officiating. Interment will be in Casper Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Anna VFW Post 3455 and U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Matthew Monroe Clark Scholarship Fund.

To view the obituary or leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.