Charles Clark

Charles Lee Clark, 71, of Sedalia ,MO, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at his home. He was born on January 31, 1946 in Sedalia, the son of Edward Lee and Maude Frances Thuston Clark, who preceded him in death.

He worked for Looney Bloess Lumber Company, Parkhurst Manufacturing, and Pittsburg Corning. He attended Burns Freewill Baptist Church. Charles served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a helicopter gunner. He was a purple heart recipient after his helicopter was shot down and was the only survivor. He enjoyed music, especially the Blues, Jazz and Dance.

Survivors include a son, Kevin D. Hardy of Sedalia; two daughters, Tracy Pierce and her husband Tyrece of Sedalia and Lasabrah Hester of Columbia; a brother, Edward Clark Jr. and his wife Jeanice of Sedalia; five sisters, Dorothy Drones and her husband Frank of Abilene, TX, Norma Patrick and her husband Milton of Columbia, MO, Edna Lyons and her husband John of Clearfield, UT, Dianna Barber of Sedalia and Sharon Clark of Sedalia; seven grandchildren, Brandon Franklin, Tyreel Hardy, Izaea Hester, Reece Pierce, Dennis Hawley, Courtney Hawley and Odessa Williams; five great grandchildren, Trevon Franklin, Teonna Franklin, Tyla Hardy, Tymberlynn Hardy, Nathaniel Simon, and Kyndall Hawley; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews .

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a nephew Antonio Clark; a great nephew, Treveon Marshall; and a great grandson Tyree Hardy.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 21, 2017 at Burns Freewill Baptist Church, Sedalia, with Pastor Paul Jones officiating.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia. Military honors will be conducted at the graveside by VFW Post # 2591 and the Missouri Army National Guard.

Pallbearers will be Clark Lyles, Brant Smith, Shawn Cooper, Dennis Hawley, Michael Poindexter, Tyrece Pierce, and Terrell Smith.

Honorary bearers will be Michael Lyons, Keith Lyons, Dana Wyms, Micah Clark, Tina Clark, and Deborah Clark.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.