John D. Clark Jr.

RESCHEDULED DATE DUE TO WINTER STORM JOHN !!!!  

FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH.  10 AM.  RECEPTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING.  

John Douglas Clark Jr., a brilliant mind and larger-than-life personality, passed away on December 24, 2024, in Mansfield, Texas, at the age of 85. Born on March 9, 1939, in Wichita Falls, Texas, John lived a life full of adventure, curiosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and passions.

A 1958 graduate of Arlington High School, John excelled in Calculus & Mathematics, leading him to pursue a degree in physics from the University of Texas at Arlington. His academic talents blossomed into an extraordinary career as an aerospace engineer (rocket scientist), that spanned almost 50 years. John worked at Martin Marrietta, LTV, TDC, & his last 38 years at Lockheed Martin in the Missile Division; focusing on the designs and management of rocket propulsion system projects while also mentoring countless colleagues who still admire his expertise and guidance.

John was not only a scientist but also an eclectic collector and thinker. His lifelong fascination with mathematics led to an impressive collection of well over a thousand books, which his family recently donated to the Friends of Arlington Library to inspire future generations. He had a love for the outdoors, animals, wolves, and the mountains. One of his most cherished memories was a trip to Alaska with his beloved wife of 28 years, Judy.

As a true prepper, John was always ready for any situation, collecting fishing equipment, camping gear, tools, and “other” essentials. He enjoyed a wide array of hobbies during his lifetime, from storm chasing with his children, to riding his bike & working out, exploring electronics and computers, and savoring Judy’s cooking, fried chicken & spicy tenders from Chicken Express. He was a history buff, a fan of Westerns and World War II shows, and had an eclectic taste in music, appreciating bag pipe music to heavy metal rock. He was an avid coin collector, who could be seen many weekends having breakfast with friends, then off to a coin show with his best friend, Bob Lehr.

John was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, and friend who loved his country and was very proud of his grandchildren who are serving in the U.S. military: Staff Sargent Jimmie Taylor Jobe in the Army and Airman John Landon Jobe (named after his grandpa), who serves in the Air Force. He was outgoing, larger than life, and never met a stranger. He loved all his animals, His dog Ginger, and many past cats and dogs, to birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer. Watching football, especially the Dallas Cowboys & KC Chiefs, was a favorite pastime. He enjoyed handwriting and analyzing weather patterns, often predicting storms with an uncanny accuracy.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John D. Clark Sr. and Glee Holton Clark; his first wife, Beryl Jane Scalise Clark; and his brothers-in-law’s, Rodney Scalise, Henry Griffin, Jack Troupe, Jim Troupe, and Jerry Troupe.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judith Earlene Clark; adoring daughter, Lara Renee Jobe and her husband, Boyd C. Jobe; son, Douglass Vincent Clark; stepchildren, Michelle Loeber and her husband, Tommy, and Michael Watts and his husband, Kurt Kretzschmar; grandchildren, Jimmie Taylor Jobe, John Landon Jobe, Jake Loeber, and Addie Loeber; brother, Dean Clark and his wife, Jannie; and sisters, Marlene Owen and her husband, Ron, Gleda Griffin, and sister-in-law, Donna Sue Saunders and her Husband Don; Also, tons of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. 

John will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on through the love and wisdom he shared with family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life on (notice date change), January 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Wade Funeral Home and Crematory. A reception will be immediately following the service.