Stanley Gene Clark, 82, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023, peacefully surrounded by his family at home on the same farm he was born and resided on until his death. Stanley was born on June 23, 1941, in Southern Howard County to Carl Stanley Clark and Temple Bodle Clark. He was one of four children, with only his sister Karron Sue Monnig surviving.

Stanley was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Karen Kay Clark, of the home; his children, Stacey Gene Clark (Robert) and William Stanley Clark (Sara) of Columbia; and his five grandchildren, Shelby and Bethany Smith, Carter, Grant, and Hailey Clark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Clark and Temple Lemmons, and his siblings, Ruth Adel Clark Marshall and Billy Joe Clark.

In 1963, Stanley was drafted into the United States Army, where he served two years. He would return home in 1965, where he would resume farming, and soon after began working for Standard Havens in Glasgow, where he worked for 34 years until his retirement in 2000.  

In 1968 he would meet and marry his wife of 54 years, Karen Northern, on August 3, 1968. They then purchased the family farm, had two children, and would work tirelessly at their jobs, farming, raising tobacco, cattle, hay, and so much more over the years. Stanley loved the farm, but his ultimate joy would come later in life with the arrival of their five funny, talkative, smart, inquisitive, kind, and at times mischievous and witty grandchildren. He enjoyed nothing more than time spent with family.

Stanley always enjoyed the simple things in life; sitting under the old maple tree, walking out amongst his cattle and hayfields, and enjoying time with family and friends. Stanley was always a humble, kind, hardworking, and honest man. He was a devout son, brother, husband, father, and Christian. As a lifelong member of the Lisbon Baptist Church, he looked forward to attending service every Sunday.

Years ago, Stanley’s dear old friend and mentor, Henry Robertson, told him and his son, William, you can learn a lot more by listening than talking. Stanley definitely took that to heart, as he was a man of few words and a very good listener. He was often seen sitting among family smiling and listening to all the stories of the day.

During their 54 years of marriage, Stanley would often remind his wife that there were three things you needed in life:  1. A good roof over your head. 2. A good set of wheels to get to work. 3. God. He always made sure his family had all three.

Stanley will be missed by his wife, Karen Clark; his children, Stacey Clark Smith (Robert), and William Clark (Sara); his five grandchildren and soon-to-be great-grandson, as well as his sister, Karron Sue Monnig; sister-in-law Linda Clark, and many other special family members and friends.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, July 18, from 5 until 7 p.m., with the funeral service to be held on Wednesday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Glasgow, with Harold Young officiating. Interment was held at Rose Hill Cemetery at Lisbon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rose Hill Cemetery or Hometown Homecare, in care of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Glasgow, Missouri. Online condolences may be shared at friemonthfreesefuneralservice.com. 

We will all miss Stanley dearly, but his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.