Hilary Thomas Clark
Hilary Thomas Clark was born Feb. 26, 1929 in McGregor, Texas to John Clark and Lizzie Thomas, and the third child born to Lizzie. His siblings included five brothers, Jack, Roscoe, Roy, R.L. and Curtis; and five sisters, Beatrice, Willie, Maezella, Lizzie and Evia.
Though he had just a seventh grade formal education, he was determined to make his life better, telling others how he lied about his age to be accepted into the military. While he never saw action, he served as a quartermaster and received an honorable discharge. His military service entitled him to all the benefits that would put him on the path to more opportunity. His biggest success was his marriage to Doshie Lee Brannon whom he met through a friend. With her support, he was able to purchase his first home through the G.I. Bill.
They went on to create a blended family of nine children in a marriage that ended with Doshie’s death just shy of their 50 year anniversary.
Hilary had a career working for the Southern Pacific Railroad and Portland Public Schools. He also had multiple businesses, including Hilary Clark Construction Services.
Also preceding him in death were two sons, Donald Allen Clark and Ricky Van Clark; and his firstborn daughter, Margaret Clark. He leaves to mourn his passing, a sister, Maezella Marlborough; sisters-in-law Jean Winters, Merle Rogers and Doris Cumby; his children, Lurlene Johnson Shamsud-Din, Carolyn Johnson Gamble, Ozie Johnson Jr., Beverly
Edmondson, Linda Sue Beasley, Larry Dean Clark and Harold Thomas Clark; and the spouses of his children, Jeddy O, Beasley and S.K. Clark. He was blessed with 26 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and friends.
While Hilary will be missed, he has left his family and many friends with great memories of his humor, tireless work ethic, and many unbelievable and outrageous stories to tell.