Larry Clark

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 ...[more]

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ject 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. In his time away from work he enjoyed relaxing at the cabin, refinishing and restoring antique furniture, listening to good music, cooking, and gardening. He loved designing and decorating his home and greenhouse, spoiling his pets, and spending time laughing and joking with friends and family, all the time making wonderful memories. Larry was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church, Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine, ISEA, NEA, former president of the Business & Professional division of the Chamber, and a present member of the Chariton Historic Preservation Commissions. Larry passed away October 6, 2011 at the Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents: Harold & Ina. Larry's memory and his life will be cherished forever and sadly missed by his wife, Janet of Chariton; brother, Robert (Marilyn) Clark of Chariton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Memorials may be made to the Larry Clark Educational Scholarship Fund, Chariton Gazebo Maintenance Fund, Chariton Historical Preservation Commission, or the First Presbyterian Church in Chariton.