Matthew William Clark

Mathew William Clark, Sr. died after a brief illness, on June 23, 2017 in Gulfport, MS at the age of 91. Matthew is survived by his children, MaryAnn Dandrow (Larry), Gail C. Smith (Lowery), Matthew W. Clark, Jr. (Heather), Judy C. Hetzel (John), Patricia Clark-Batte (Ezra) and Janet Clark-Nick (Richard), ten grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one brother, Kenneth James Clark of St. Germain, WI, his loving friend and companion, Yevonne Updike and his dog Friskie. He is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Clare Riddell Clark, siblings, Catherine Clark and Leroy Clark, and parents, William J. Clark and Catherine R. Clark. Matthew was born on December, 26, 1925 in Havestraw, NY to William and Catherine Clark. Upon joining the Merchant Marines during World War II, he was stationed in New Orleans, LA where he met his wife, Clare. After the war, they made their home in Spring Valley, NY where they raised their family. He was employed as a master plumber at American Cyanimide in Pearl River, NY. Matthew was an avid hunter and fisherman, lover of dogs and an active member of the Pomona American Legion, chaplain of the Elks Lodge of Napanoch and Masonic Order of Spring Valley until relocating to Gulfport, MS in 2003. The visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 30, 2017 from 10am – 12pm with the funeral service to follow at Bradford O’Keefe, 15th Street, Gulfport, MS. After the funeral, a graveside service will be held at Biloxi National Cemetery with a celebration of life to follow at The Chimney’s in Gulfport. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Matt’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Humane Society of South Mississippi at 2615 25th Ave., Gulfport, MS 39501. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com