Walter Willis Clark, age 81, of Denton, Texas passed away on August 3, 2024. He came into this world like a boulder being shot out of a volcano, on November 17, 1942, to Doris (Corl) and Spencer Clark in Rochester, New York. On April 10, 1971, Walter married the love of his life, Connie Jean Harper in Kimberly, West Virginia. Walter was a Vietnam War era Army veteran and was a proud purple heart recipient.
Walter is survived by his two sons, Geoffrey Clark and his wife, Sheryl Holtum of Sherman, Texas, Patrick Clark of Denton; his daughter-in-law, Tosha Griggs of Denton, Texas; grandson Milo Clark (his special little guy), his three granddaughters, Leia Clark (his award winning roller skater), Nancy Clark (his talented musician) and Sybil Daniels (his beautiful girl); his step-grandchildren, Dylan Biggs (his brilliant artist) and Chloe Biggs (his genius red head); his sister-in-laws, Joan Clark of Rochester NY and Joyce Pfeiffer of Frisco TX; his nephew, Scott Clark and his wife, Joyce of Rochester NY, his nieces Sara Reed and her husband Brian of Frisco TX, Montana Marie of Aiken South Carolina and Christina Smear and family of auburn. He also leaves behind his beloved Chihuahua, Puppy. Puppy loved Walter and no other human, which made Walter extremely happy that she was so loyal to him.
Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Jean Clark, his parents, Doris and Spencer Clark; his stepson Michael Clark, his Brother Thomas Clark of Rochester NY, his sisters Marjorie Clark, Mary Jane Clark and Doris Clark. Walter had a daughter, Elizabeth Clark, from his first marriage.
Walter held many jobs and was a true renaissance man. Known as ‘Professor Casanova' in several retirement communities, Walter enjoyed “the ladies”, as he called them. During his 81 years on Earth, he had many jobs and accomplished a great deal. He was an accomplished law enforcement officer, an award-winning painter, a philosopher, a Professor of history, a salesman, a detective, a soldier, an elected official, a whistleblower, a hell raiser, a published author, a storyteller and in his own words: A Grumpy Old Man. His sense of humor was contagious and quite often you weren’t sure if he was being serious or not. He was never afraid to call your manager if you weren’t treating him with the absolute best customer service. And if you wouldn’t give him the CEOs phone number, he would call his good friend, Joseph Biden and he would straighten you out. Walter made great friends and good enemies wherever he went and often you went from one side of that list to the other the longer you knew him. Above all else, Walter was a storyteller. He told amazing stories that made our lives richer. He taught thousands of school children in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas about reptiles with a nonprofit business he started with his sons, the young people's traveling reptile show. He loved a good western movie, presidential trivia, jeopardy, Irish history, classical music, snake hunting, playing chess, coffee, coin collecting and was an expert on the civil war. He loved the New York Jets and was disappointed they couldn’t ever win another super bowl in his lifetime. It would be impossible to list everything Walter accomplished and everything he was great at. He surely told you himself if you ever spoke with him.
Walter outran death as long as he could until he couldn’t run any further. He had multiple health issues for decades and his family is happy he finally is pain free. He passed away peacefully at home exactly the way he wanted to, being read to by his grandson Milo and listening to his granddaughter Leia telling him she loves him. He will be missed greatly by his family. Walter was capable of great love and affection and was an amazing grandfather.
Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 8520 Main Street, Frisco, Texas 75033, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Graveside Service will be held at DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211, on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, beginning at 2:00 PM with military honors.