Maurice E. Clark

Maurice E. Clark, 86, died Friday (May 9, 2008) in Newton.

He was born March 24, 1922, in McPherson.

His parents farmed in the New Gottland area, and he attended grades one through eight in the North Union Grade School, a one-room schoolhouse, later graduating from McPherson High School and then attending McPherson College.

Maurice’s education was interrupted by the onset of World War II. He volunteered for duty with the U.S. Army Air Corps and served from 1943 to 1945, flying the P-51 Mustang with the 31st Fighter Group over the skies of Europe. He joined the Kansas National Air Guard, who called him back to active service in which he flew 100 combat missions in the F-84 Thunderjet during the early days of the Korean War.

Upon his WWII discharge, Maurice returned to marry his sweetheart, Dolores M. Denison, who had waited for him during the war. The couple moved to Manhattan, where Maurice attended Kansas State University, earning a degree in mechanical engineering.

Maurice then went to work for Kansas Gas and Electric (now Westar) where he helped build and start up electric generating stations and later managed a power division for KG and E in Newton. Maurice also was the quality assurance manager during construction of the company’s Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant at Burlington. He retired in 1984.

He was very civically active during his lifetime, serving at his church, Eastside United Methodist Church, president of the Rotary Club, board member of Methodist Youthville and Prairie View Mental Health Center, the Gideons, and at the troop, council and district levels of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts awarded him the Silver Beaver, its highest citation for adult leadership.

Maurice’s retirement was devoted to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife; children, Michael J. Clark of Grapevine, Texas, Bradley E. Clark of Olathe, Jennifer G.Veer of Newton, Spencer L. Clark of Newton, Shelly D. Carlson of Lindsborg, and Barry A. Clark of Manhattan; 16 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Nan Clark of New Gottland; and his sister, Lucille Abel of New Gottland.

In lieu of visitation, a time for viewing was held this morning at the Lindsborg Evangelical Covenant Church with the funeral service following.

Burial was in New Gottland Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorial donations may sent to the Broadway Colonial Funeral Home for the benefit of The Guideons, East Side Methodist Church and New Gottland Covenant Church.