Fair 41° F

Home > Archive > Jul 26, 2007

Obituaries
JAMES EDWARD
"ED" CLARK SR.
James Ed Clark, 88, our adored husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away July 20, 2007, at his home in Springdale with his family by his side. Ed was born on April 18, 1919 in Cedar City, Utah to William Henry Clark and Mary Emma Bauer.
He married Colleen Pace on Sept. 15, 1940; they had one daughter, Pamela, and later divorced. After serving in World War II from 1944 to 1946 he married Venece Excell on Sept. 10, 1947. They had five children, Jim, Randy, Bob, Carryn and Jeff.
Ed was raised and attended schools in Cedar City. He graduated from BAC where he lettered in tennis. He worked as service station manager in Hollywood, Calif. for a short time before moving to Reno, Nev. where he was drafted in December 1944. He served in the Army as a Technician of the 20th Infantry Regiment during World War II until August 1946 when he received an honorable discharge.
After his time in the military he returned to Cedar City where he worked as service station manager until he was employed by Union Pacific as a painter for Utah Parks. In 1953 he began his career with the National Park Service as a laborer for Zion NP. He then transferred to Death Valley NP in 1961. Ed worked as a sign maker in Death Valley for 22 months then transferred to Yosemite NP where he was sign shop supervisor for 8 years.
In 1971 he transferred to Platt NP in Oklahoma where he was buildings and utilities supervisor. After 9 yrs. in Jan of 1981 he became the roads and trails supervisor of Glenn Canyon NRA until his retirement in April of 1983.
After his retirement Ed and Venece returned to Springdale where Ed enjoyed gardening and taking care of the lawn. Ed loved his grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing and watching ball games. Most of all he enjoyed the time he had with his wife, Venece, and the love they shared with each other.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who have helped the last 21 years with Ed’s battle with cancer, we appreciate you very much. We would also like to thank Hospice Nurse JR, grandchildren Kristi and Reason for making Ed’s last few days at home comfortable and pleasant.
Ed is survived by his wife, Venece E. Clark of Springdale; children, Pamela C. (John) Denison of Johnstown, Colo., James E (Peggy) Clark of Glendale, Randall Clark of Vernal, Robert (Carol) Clark of Virgin, Carryn (Kirk) Topham of Springdale, 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son Jeffery W. Clark; his parents; brothers, Don and Max; sisters Ella, Noan, Alice, Retta and Rae.
Services will be Thursday, July 26 at 11 a.m. at the Springdale LDS Chapel, 1584 Zion Park Blvd. A visitation will be Thursday, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel before the services. Interment will take place at the Springdale Jolley-Gifford Cemetery.
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, St. George, UT (435) 673-2454. Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences at www.spilsburymortuary.com.

---