MSG William L. "Lenn" Clark

MSG (Ret) William L. “Lenn” Clark, son of Carl Ogle Clark and Ruth “Wyvon” (Spidle) Clark Dawson, was born October 12, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri. He passed away March 5, 2012 in his home after a long bout with cancer. Lenn grew up around Pomme De Terre and attended school in Richie Missouri. Shortly after graduation, Lenn enlisted in the Unites States Army until his honorable discharge after 24 years of faithful service. He earned several awards and commendations; some of which included: Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal 7th Award, Meritorious Service Medal 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon w/numeral 3, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, Overseas Service Ribbon w/numeral 4, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge Rifle, and German Marksmanship Badge. He had attained the rank of Master Sergeant. After retiring from the military, Lenn began working on Fort Leonard Wood as a civil service employee. He worked there until his retirement in 2010 after a combined total with his military service of 41 years of service to his country. He was the only person at that time to receive a 41 year coin. On March 27, 2004, Lenn was united in marriage to Rebecca Marie Rickerson in Richland, Missouri. They shared many wonderful memories together. In his spare time, Lenn loved to fish and be outdoors working in his lawn. He liked to keep his lawn neat and would weed eat to keep it looking nice. He also enjoyed doing home improvement projects. He would often start project and move to the next one before the first one was finished. Lenn loved to bring Rebecca a rose one at a time and moved one of their favorite rose bushes 5 times before getting it to the place that he wanted. Lenn will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Rebecca of the home; his mother Wyvon Dawson of Joplin, MO; two sons: Stacy Clark (Cindy) of Hawaii; Kelly Clark of Canada; two sisters: Carolyn Coffman (Bob) of Fair Play, MO and Cheryl Nokes of Joplin, MO; three brothers: Lyndell Clark (Louise) Joplin, MO; Calvin Clark (Abby) of Neosho, MO; Dale Shinn of Joplin, MO; three step children: Catherine Rakes of Richland, MO; Steven Belcher of Louisville, KY and Joseph Ramsey Louisville, KY; two grandchildren: Halley and Maddy Clark; brother and sister in law: Aaron Beck (Bernice) of Swedeborg, MO; several other relatives and friends. Lenn was preceded in death by his father, Carl Ogle Clark; one sister: Evelyn Edwards; and one infant daughter. Funeral services were held at 1:00 P.M., Thursday, March 8, 2012 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Mitch Henson officiating. Recorded music selections included “You Are My Sunshine” and “How Great Thou Art”. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with Military Honors provided by the United States Army Fort Leonard Wood followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Fort Leonard, Waynesville, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.

MSG William L. "Lenn" Clark

October 12, 1951 - March 5, 2012