Clark Edward Stevens passed away Oct. 5, 2014, in Allen, Texas. He was 16 years old.

Although all too short, Clark’s life was filled with meaning and accomplishment. Intelligent and inquisitive, he pursued a wide range of artistic and athletic endeavors. His early passion was football, which he played from grade school through sophomore year at Allen High School. He also tried his hand at wrestling and enjoyed hunting with his Uncle Gary and Cousin Max. Although a self-confessed lip-syncher in junior high choir, Clark was musically gifted. A largely self-taught guitarist, he could “shred” on a guitar and enjoyed jam sessions with friends.

Clark was an old soul. His sharp insight and wit displayed a wisdom beyond his years. His maturity was forged in part by the premature death of his father. At 10 years old, Clark assumed the role of mainstay and rock for his family. He was a source of strength and comfort to his mother and sister in the absence of their husband and father.

Clark’s heart for helping extended beyond his family and held a particularly soft spot for children. He taught vacation bible school at his church, First Baptist of Allen, and was actively involved for the last several years in Peer Assistance and Leadership (PAL), a service organization devoted to enabling young people make a difference in their schools and communities. Through PAL, Clark served as a mentor to children in need of role models.

Clark had an adventurous spirit and looked forward to traveling the world. Even as a child, he was eager to explore new territories and had his father drive him and his sister, Chloe, to Oklahoma so they could say they’d been outside of Texas. He later expanded his travels to California and Washington D.C. and dreamed of visiting Switzerland and Nicaragua.

Motivated and driven to succeed, Clark challenged himself at school and work. He packed his academic schedule with Advanced Placement and junior college courses in the hopes of starting college as a sophomore. At the same time, he juggled multiple jobs and was willing to take on almost any role – from positions in fast food restaurants and hair salons to professional services firms.

Clark was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Clark Stevens; and his paternal grandparents, Norvell and Lillian Stevens. He is survived by his mother, Michelle Stevens; twin sister, Chloe; maternal grandparents, Gene and Sally Dunlap; uncles, aunts and cousins, Gary and Sallie Dunlap (Brittani, Alyssa, Tiffany and Max), and Doug and Pam Dunlap.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Allen, Texas. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson Morrow Chapel in Allen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clark’s name to Living Water International or Peer Assistance and Leadership.