Larry J. Clark Obituary

Services for Larry J. Clark, 72, of Chariton, will be Tues, October 11, 2011 at 2pm at Pierschbacher Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Chariton Cemetery.   Family will receive friends from 12-2pm Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the funeral home.  On line condolences may be left at http://www.pierschbacherfuneralhome.com/  .

Larry was born August 20, 1939 to Harold and Ina (Bingaman) Clark.  He graduated from Chariton High School in 1957.  After high school he attended Drake University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree.  He furthered his education by obtaining a Masters Degree in Science from Drake University and his Mortuary Science Degree from the University of Minnesota.  While at Drake he was a proud member of the Drake Marching Band.

After college larry taught biology, physics and chemistry classes at Russell and Chariton High School for many years.  He loved teaching and guiding the students and they in turn loved and respected him.  To many, he was affectionately known as "Uncle Lar".  On August 3, 1968, he married Janet Patricia White, a high school classmate and teacher.

Larry and Janet became owners of Ambelang Greenhouse in 1974 where they worked together lovingly and diligently restoring it to what is now Clark's Greenhouse.  This was their home away from home where many memories were made.  Laughter was shared and joy was a part of everyday life.  Larry devoted his life to creating beauty around him.  Larry was always the thinker, the planner, and the creator, with always a new project ready to begin.  He had a sharp mind, an eye for beauty, and a sense of wit and humor that can't be matched.  Working the daily jumble was a passion.

Larry was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church, Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Za-Ga-Zag Shrine, ISEA, NEA, former president of the Business & Professional division of the Chamber and a present member of the Chariton Historic Preservation Commission. 

Larry passed away October 6, 2011 at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Janet of Chariton, and a brother Robert Eugene (Marilyn) Clark of Chariton.

Memorials may be made to Larry Clark Educational Scholarship Fund, Chariton Gazebo Maintenance Fund,