Thomas “Tom” Clark obituary

Thomas “Tom” Clark, 86, of Fort Smith, Arkansas was born Sept. 16, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to Louis and Irene (Fry) Clark. He went home to be with the Lord on Nov.r 21, 2025 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, while being surrounded by his family.

Funeral service is 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Cavanaugh United Methodist Church, 7205 HWY 271, Fort Smith, Arkansas with Reverend Jana Green and Chaplain Jonathan Hamby officiating. Interment will follow in Howe Cemetery, under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.

Tom, a cherished and longtime member of the Fort Smith community, but was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He dedicated his life to education and service. After graduating from Lane Tech High School, Tom earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in chemistry from Southeastern, followed by a second Master’s in secondary education from Vanderbilt University. He proudly served as an ROTC college officer, laying the groundwork for a distinguished teaching career. Tom began his journey at Commerce High School and Heavener High School before spending 33 remarkable years at UAFS (formerly Westark Community College), where he taught chemistry from 1969 until his retirement in 2002.

A devoted member of Cavanaugh Methodist Church, Tom took on various roles including Lay Leader, Sunday School teacher, and District Lay Leader for the United Methodist Church. He also held weekly devotions at the Methodist Village Nursing Home, sharing his faith with others.

In addition to his teaching, Tom was a passionate coach, leading church league teams and serving as the Church League Baseball Commissioner. His dedication extended to volunteering over 40 years with the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club, where he coached in football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Tom focused not only on teaching the fundamentals of the game but also instilled values of respect, good sportsmanship, and competitiveness. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame in 2025.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman and photographer. He found joy in woodworking, Lionel trains, puzzles, home improvement, watercolor painting, music, traveling, and gardening. Tom was a devoted family man, cherishing time spent with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Razorbacks and the Cubs. Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. His warmth and kindness will be profoundly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Survivors are his wife of 63 years, Lorella Clark, of the home; one daughter Diane Eddleman and husband Walter of Fort Smith, Arkansas; two sons Dennis Clark and wife Sandy of Paris, Arkansas, and Randal Clark and wife Tracy of El Paso, Arkansas; eight grandchildren Ethan Eddleman and wife Melissa, Alayna Eddleman, Emily Underwood and husband Jonathan, Travis Clark, Brent Clark and wife Jessica, Kacie Clark, Madison O’Bar and husband Nick, and Lauren Simmons; seven great-grandchildren Audrey Eddleman, Collins O’Bar, Israel Ariola, Emory Ariola, James Hagan, Miles Powers and Lilabet Powers; brothers-in-law Benny Bentley of Heavener, Jack O’Donnel of Oklahoma City, Jack Godfry of Edmond, Gene Davis and wife Patricia of Heavener; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and friends

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Irene Clark; two sisters Joan O’Donnel and Nancy Bentley; one brother and sister-in-law, Richard Clark and wife Elaine.

Pallbearers are Ethan Eddleman, Travis Clark, Brent Clark, Nick O’Bar, Jonathan Underwood and Thomas Brodsky. Honorary pallbearers are Andy Clark, Buddy Allen, Hank Needham, Larry Schiffner, and Paul Vieth.  

Viewing is from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home in Heavener. There will be a family visitation with friends on Monday from 5 until 7 p.m. at Cavanaugh United Methodist Church, 7205 HWY 271, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

To sign Tom’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.