of Little Rock, AR
November 10, 1940 - October 18, 2015
David "Dave" Michael Clark, 74, of Destin, Florida succumbed to cancer in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by his family on October 18, 2015.
Born in Muskegon, Michigan, he was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruth Clark. Dave is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Laura Clark (her partner, Deborah Rawn); daughter, Leslie Clark; son, Robert Clark (his wife, Davina); daughter, Elizabeth Taylor (her husband, William); and brother, Robert W. Clark (his wife, Jane). He has 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Dave was a pioneer in the air cargo industry. He started his own business in the 1970's, over the years expanding into many areas related to shipping air cargo, leasing airplanes, and selling airplane parts.
He went on to operate Arkansas' largest breeding and training operation Iron Horse Farm. He purchased and expanded H.E. "Tex" Sutton Forwarding, an equine air transportation company. He created the Clark Family Foundation, dedicated to supporting children's health and well-being, and has supported many organizations for children over the years, including several major gifts to Arkansas Children's Hospital Foundation.
The memorial service will be held at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211, (501)224-8300 at 11:00 A.M., Friday,
October 23, 2015. Immediately following the service, friends and family are welcome at the home: 43 Hickory Hills Circle, Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org) or the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF.org).
You may sign Dave's online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal
Sign Guestbook
45 Condolence(s)
Jessica A Clark
Saturday, September 4, 2021
I miss you grandpa.🥺
Elizabeth Clark Taylor
Thursday, October 20, 2016
I miss you dad. I wish I could give you a hug and hear your voice❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for being my dad, my hero.
Barbara Shadley
Thursday, March 10, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Working for him at Interstate Airlines gave me some of the best experiences in my life. The kindness he showed to me and my family will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Dave.
bob kuziak
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Dave would have been proud of the service
it was like a Homecoming Thank You for the many stories that were told that day and the tears that were shed...R.I.P. Dave
THANK YOU!!
Harlan Benjamin
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Dave Clark was the best employer anybody could have had in our lifetime. Business was business but he cared about his employees welfare and provided many perks to us. A very caring man has left us.
Harlan Benjamin
Mary
Friday, October 23, 2015
I was sorry to read of your loss. May this promise from Jehovah God give your family a measure of peace and comfort: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
Revelation 21:3,4
Again, I am sorry for your loss.
Mary
Larry Arseneau
Friday, October 23, 2015
It is with great sadness that I learned of Dave's passing. Dave was just a year older and joined Zantop a month or two after I did in 1964. I took an instant liking to him like most people did. Dave was gifted to recognize opportunity and develop a plan to take advantage of it. But, most importantly, he also had the necessary gift for success of being able to follow through and implement his plan. These God given gifts would over time come to make a significant difference in the everyday lives of many people. I and my family were recipients of his talents as I was employed by Dave at two of his airline ventures. I am greatfull to Hank Bathey for maintaining
the mailing list all these years, otherwise I might not have learned of Dave's passing for some time. There are many names in this guest book of individuals that
were part of my aviation career and it means a great deal to me to see that they are still with us.
Anthony Romeo
Friday, October 23, 2015
I will remember all of our fun times, card games, and drinking at the old YIP airport.
Tony
jo anne comiskey
Thursday, October 22, 2015
i am so sorry to hear of dave's passing. i worked for him in ypsilanti and transferred to little rock along with many others. he was a wonderful man and a great person to work with. my thoughts and prayers are with his family. he will not be forgotten, he touched many lives. the airlines business has lost one of the best.
Lorene Jones-Henderson
Thursday, October 22, 2015
There are so many great memories of the Clark Family. First persons I met when I moved to Michigan after marriage to Dan Jones. Dave is the last one of the 4 great "horse Men, Sutton, Smokey, Jones, and now Dave.
My. Prayers and thoughts are with the Clark Family. God bless.
Kevin "Pappy" and Suellen Sicard
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to Dave's family. We have so many memories of our years with Interstate Airlines to ATI. He has been mentioned fondly in the many years we have known him. Salt of the Earth. Pappy and Suellen
jesse dilks
Thursday, October 22, 2015
I often thought about Dave, he was my last employer some 27 years ago and remembered how loyal he was to his employees.. He will surely be missed by a lot of people.
Jess Dilks
Shirley McDonnel
Thursday, October 22, 2015
My heartfelt condolences go out to Daves family and friends. My family and I have such wonderful memories of Dave from our years at Iron Horse Farm and my years at the airline. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Gloria & Abe Williams
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Lost one of the really good one's with Dave's passing. He was truly one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God speed old friend, may you rest in peace.
Ron Zerkel
Thursday, October 22, 2015
I have many fond memories of the 20 years I worked directly for Dave (1960's - 1980's) and the times our families enjoyed together. I extend sincere sympathy to all of Dave's family.
Tyra Barnett
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
What a great man, father, and inspiring horse owner, breeder and promoter of the sport of thoroughbred horse racing.
We have lost, but will never forget the contribution this man has made to provide transportation to the world's greatest equine athletes. We will miss Mr. David Clark. He can't be replaced.
God Bless
Scott & Shayla Copas
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Shayla & I, 15 HH Circle are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will be praying for the entire family.
Chuck and Jill Adami
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Jill and I send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Dave Clark. Sharing a quarter century of time with Dave as he left his mark on the aviation industry was an experience that cannot be topped or repeated. We worked hard, we played harder, Your loyalty to those that worked with and for you was unsurpassed. Thanks Dave and may you rest in a hard earned peace.
Dr Paul Burton
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Very honored to have been Dave's dentist and to have had many horse conversations over the years.He was one of a kind and will be missed; my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Deepest sympathies Dr. B
Marion(BJ) Rawn
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clark family at this difficult time. Dave was a great person and he will most certainly be missed. Rick and B.J.
Cris Shankleton (nee Zerkel)
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Mr. Clark was a big part of my childhood. From my little-girl eyes, he seemed so laid-back and confident. He was always kind and generous to all us kids running around the company picnics. I still remember a trip to his horse farm when I was 11 or 12. The bed was the most comfortable I ever slept in and riding the horses around the track was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
My deepest sympathies to his family. RIP, Mr. Clark.
Marianne Rogers
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
May God put him in a special place from where he will continue to watch lovingly over his family and friends. Prayers and comfort to Rob, Davina and the family.
Diane clark
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
I am so grateful to have been part of Dave's life.
He was a man among men.And,Yes,he did it his way.Those many many friends and family jumped on the Dave train and had the ride and time of their lives. Dave lived by a motto of "work hard and then play hard"!It has been so heartwarming to read the tributes and honor so many of his friends and colleagues over the years have expressed.Thank you for your thoughts and,boy,would I love to see some of you.
Fletcher Clement
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
A good friend, a gracious partner,a better man. I hope all your horses win or at least hit the board in your next incarnation.
Walt Atkinson
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
I worked with Dave during the Zantop/Universal era. Along with those who wish him well in his afterlife without pain, may God bless the time all of had in our association with Dave. He was the hardest working guy I ever met both as a Zantopper and after he started his own business. I concur with Gene Zerkel, he was one of Gene's best hires!
Jennifer Johnson
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Dave was a very loving, kind, generous man. He will be missed by many. I personally owe a big part of my adult life to him for trusting in me. Rest In Peace Dave.
Kevin and Gail Reeves
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
He was such a giving man and loved and admired by many. God be with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Gloria & Lynn
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
We will miss his kindness. Our prayers to all the family.
Barbara Anderson Hays
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Dave was a self made man who achieved much, lived life fully, and loved his family and friends. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Stephanie Clark
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Very heartwarming to old employees, co-workers, friends names and comments on this guest book
David will be loved and remembered by all the good he did and gave in his life.
He passed away quickly without pain, which was a blessing.
My heart goes out to all who loved him.
I am grateful to have shared a path in his journey for a time.
You did it your way, and your way was appreciated by all..
Sandy Parker
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
I have so many wonderful memories of Dave and Diane and the 3 children. We "grew up"together. My sadness is so deep and I grieve for the loss that Diane, Lori, Leslie and Rob and their families are feeling. We are fortunate to be able to attend the service on Fri and look forward to seeing and hugging deep and loving friends.
Mark an Donna Williams
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Praying for the family sending all our thoughts an prayers
Lorraine Valerino
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are lifted in honor of Mr. Clark and his entire family. The Lakeland YMCA Flamingo Synchro Team is grateful for the goodwill of the Clark Family Foundation and the commitment of supporting children. May God bless the family in their grief. It is obvious Mr. Clark epitomized a life well-lived.
Karen Coney Coplin
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
My heartfelt condolences, to all of David's loved ones, during this sad time. Sending you peaceful thoughts of care and comfort. May happy memories lift your spirits as you grieve him.
Hank Bathey
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Sorry to hear about Dave's passing, spent a lot of working and fun times with him With Zantop, Universal, Saturn and boating in Florida
Gene Zerkel
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Dave one of the Best men I ever hired. He was a best friend as well. Many good times, many good thoughts I have for Dave. God be with you and your famil
Gene
M.C. ROSIE ROSENSTEIN
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
BLESS THE ENTIRE CLARK FAMILY ON THIS GREAT LOSS. R.I.P. DAVE.
M.C. ROSIE ROSENSTEIN
NEW YORK GROUND HANDLER FOR MANY YEARS FOR H.E. TEX SUTTON 1972-1991
OLD PAN AM AIRLINES JFK AIRPORT
Gene Zerkel
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Dave was one of the BEST employees I hired. He also was a very close friend. I'll miss you Dave, God Bless You
Teri Foster
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Treasured his freindship
Bernard foster
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
A shock to the industry
Ray Barkoot
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
I always admired Dave and enjoyed working for him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Ray and Jamie Barkoot
Jerry Zerkel
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing and know he is no longer suffering. He was a great friend and an excellent boss. I enjoyed the many years I worked for and with him. He was aa true legend in the airline industry. My deepest sympathy to all of his family. May God bless each and every one of you
Nick and Sandy Sesan
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May Dave now rest in peace with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God Bless you all
Deidre Sesan
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Absolutely crushed. A very dark day for everyone. Dave's legacy will go on, in industry, in horse racing and in our hearts. I pray for God to be with us all.
stan burnstein
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Good guy Introduced. me how to spend lots of $$$ on Horses.