Francis Clark Sr.

Francis J. "Frank" Clark, Sr., 84, of Olathe, Kansas went home to be with Jesus on June 5, 2014. Frank was born in Winfield, Kansas to a young farmer and his wife on March 7, 1930. After graduating from Winfield High School in 1948 Frank attended Kansas State University. He married Sharon Rae Mawhiney on January 8, 1965, together they raised six children.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents John Francis and Mary Katherine Clark; sister Mary Louise Erker; daughter Stephany Ann Clark; and grandson John Paul Sehon.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Clark; brothers Patrick (Donna) Clark, James (Barbara) Clark, Howard (Norma) Clark and Fred Erker, Sr.; children Patricia (Mark) Given, Gina (Clark) Sehon, Francis "Buddy" (Debbie) Clark, Jr., Matthew (Shelby) Clark and Bridget (Beth) Clark; and nineteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catholic Community Hospice of Northeast Kansas or the Alzheimer's Association.

Frank and his family raised Holstein dairy cows in Winfield, KS. He was very active on the family farm milking the cows morning and evening. Frank was also very involved in 4-H and took pride in showing other farm animals. Among other interests as an adolescent, Frank was a skilled craftsman achieving notable recognition. In high school he crafted a beautiful china cabinet and walnut desk that has remained in the family.

At Kansas State University, Frank participated in ROTC and studied dairy husbandry. He graduated in May of 1952 with a bachelor's of science degree in dairy husbandry. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army following ROTC training and served as an officer. He received his orders to be stationed overseas during the Korean War. Fortunately the war ended July of 1953 before he was transferred. Soon after leaving the Army Frank began working for the J.C. Penney Company. He quickly transitioned to store manager and was transferred to Kansas City to continue working for the Penney Co. It was there he met his wife Sharon of almost 50 years.

Frank and Sharon raised six children together, suffice to say they were very busy raising this large and loving family. During his tenure with the Penney Co. Frank and Sharon were transferred to Amarillo, TX. In a few years they were back in Kansas City. In the early 1970s Frank became business partners with Bob King in the fabric store business. In 1973 Frank and Sharon bought the company and created Clark's Fabrics. Over the next 10 years they opened three additional fabric stores.

In 1977 Frank opened Clark's Department store in the old downtown Olathe square. He moved his family to a beautiful home on two sprawling acres. A picture perfect place for his young children to run and grow. After the last store closed in 1983 Frank continued working in sales as well as some side work in the insurance business. Frank was an adept conversationalist with a sense of humor and charm that all of his customers could appreciate.

Frank worked very hard and instilled a strong work ethic in his children. He was not one to take much time for himself, but when he did he really enjoyed fishing from the pond in the back yard. He also prided himself on his two large gardens and the bountiful harvest that he produced each year.

Frank got much satisfaction from working and did not cut back his work hours until he was nearly 78 years old. Not having regular work hours didn't slow him down much, but it did give him a chance to watch a few more baseball games and to spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In November of 2008 his wife Sharon suffered a debilitating stroke. He and Sharon moved to Vintage Park of Stanley assisted living in the fall of 2009. Frank then moved to Homestead of Olathe in February 2012 where he continued to charm everyone with his gentle nature and sense of humor. Until just days before his passing, his favorite pastime was dancing with the staff.