of Stuttgart, Germany,
May 29, 1984 - February 3, 2010
Corporal Matthew Evan Clark 25, of Shirley, Arkansas left this world to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 after a tragic accident. Matthew, along with two other crew members, was on a routine training exercise when the Black Hawk helicopter they were on crashed in a forest in Mannheim, Germany.
While growing up in Shirley, Arkansas Matthew was a Christian and a member of Shirley United Methodist Church. He was active in community, school, and athletics including baseball, basketball, and tennis. As a senior he was part of a State Champion Doubles Tennis team. He graduated from Shirley High School in 2003. In the summers, he could most likely be found working at Lacey's Marina or spending time on the lake with friends. Matthew enrolled in the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in the fall of 2003, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In the fall of 2007, his lifelong dream began when he joined the army. He completed his basic training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. As part of his specialist school, he attended Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Eustis in Virginia. In 2008, Matthew was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, and served as Crew Chief on a Black Hawk helicopter. Most recently, Matthew was selected to serve as Crew Chief of helicopter support for President Obama in Oslo, Norway. In recognition of his service, he has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His love for life and the army was contagious. Matthew is best known by his friends and family for his permanent smile and endless ability to make anyone laugh.
He was born May 29, 1984 at Searcy, Arkansas to John Evan Clark, Jr. and Betty Sue (Brown) Clark.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Evan Clark, Jr., paternal grandparents, John E. Clark, Sr., and Hazel Quattlebaum Clark, maternal grandparents, Clyde "Bear"and Clem Privitt Brown.
He is survived by his mother, Betty Sue Clark of Shirley, Arkansas; sister and brother-in-law Rachael and Blake Henderson of England, Arkansas; and his brother and sister-in-law John Nicholas and Kristin Clark of Tiffin, Iowa, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Casketbearers: Brent Parker, Tyler Holland, Daniel Littell, Heath Jones, Ryan Riggon, Dillon Yielding, Chase Ransom, and Andy Hensley.
Visitation for friends and family will be 2:00pm-5:00pm Sunday, February 14, 2010 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Arkansas.
Funeral Service will be 2:00pm Monday, February 15, 2010 at Shirley First Baptist Church with Pastor Eddie Ragsdale officiating. Burial with full U.S. Army Military Honors will follow at Bradford Cemetery Shirley, Arkansas.
Funeral Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas (501) 745-2151.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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51 Condolence(s)
Roderick Clark Miller
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
My deepest sorrow for you and your family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Roderick Clark Miller
Great Grandson of Sarah Fay Clark and Milburn Coley
Maria Mateyko Miller
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Dear Betty and Family,
Our Deepest sympathies are with you. You are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Maria Miller and Family
Grandaughter of Sarah Fay Clark and Milburn Coley
(504) 915-70003
Lee Ann Seideman
Monday, March 1, 2010
Mrs. Clark I am so sorry for the pain you are going through now with the loss of your son, Matthew Evan. I understand almost exactly how you may feel. My son, Tyler was killed in a blackhawk crash in Iraq. If you need to talk please email me and I will send you my phone number. It has helped me so much to have other mothers who share our grief to talk with about anything. It doesn't get better. You just find a new normal.
Jackie Mahaney
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Betty,Rachel and Nicholas,
Our hearts are with you in this time of pain.Matthew will forever be remembered for his beaming personality. He is a hero to us all.
Love,
The Mahaney Family
Nicola Hickman
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Dear Ms. Clark,
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you. We feel your pain all too much. We are the parents of CW2 Clayton Marshall Hickman, whom was in the helicopter with your son. They are truly heroes, our tears will lessen, but our love for them will continue, but we will always have a void in our hearts.
With love and prayers,
Butch and Nicki Hickman Sgt Dustin Hickman USMC
Cindy Coleman
Monday, February 22, 2010
Love you Mrs. Clark. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Words just can't express the sadness I feel for you.
JoAnn Bradford
Friday, February 19, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have a granddaughter who is defending our great country right now.
Linda Sullins
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Betty and family, Please know that many are sharing your heartache. Matthew was such a spirited and witty young man. While working in the elementary library during Matthew's sixth grade year, I could already see that he had aspirations to experience life and leave his mark. I will always remember his curls bouncing as he played basketball for the Blue Devils. I know that you are so proud of all he accomplished, and from reading messages from other military families, I am humbled, once again, by the courage and sacrifice our soldiers display so that we may be safe and free. Please know that so many are praying for you and your family. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that Matthew lived the good life and is now with God. Love to you, Linda
Bevelry Huggins Wilkerson
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Betty, Rachael, Nicholas,
My heart and prayers go out you during this difficult time. I will always remember Matthew for his head of curly blond hair and brillant smile. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us and our way of life here at home. He is truly someone to be proud of.
Rosie
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
To the Clark Family
I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rosie Goodnight
Linda Hurt
Monday, February 15, 2010
Betty,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Matthew is our hero.
Susan (Sowers-Lowrance) Stone
Monday, February 15, 2010
Betty, my thoughts and prayers were with you and your family today.
Mary Canino Pedersen
Monday, February 15, 2010
Dear Betty, Rachel & Nickolas,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I was working with John when all of the children were born, I only knew Matthew as a toddler. He was always a curly haired cutie. I do know how proud you all were and are of him. Now the entire nation is proud of him and owes him a great debt of gratitude.
May God comfort you and heal your pain.
Lovingly,
Mary Canino Pedersen
Nova Caldwell Scroggins
Monday, February 15, 2010
Betty,
My prayers are with you and your family. May God bless and comfort you in the days ahead . We will always be grateful for men like Matthew who are willing to serve our country. I think back to when my Dad spoke about WWII when Matthew's Grandfather John and my Dad served in the Army.
Nova (Caldwell) Scroggins
bill lemm
Monday, February 15, 2010
Let's not be distracted by what we have lost, but be comforted by what we had. And still have. Thank you , Matthew, and thank you, Lord for giving him to us here in Arkansas. Those that are remembered are never really gone from our midst.
Linda Staggs Hix
Monday, February 15, 2010
Dear Betty and family,
My heart goes out to you and your family at this time in the loss of your son. I know, too, from my own experience the ache and emptiness you feel. He will always be with you and the memories just grow sweeter.
May God bless you and be with you in this extreme time of sorrow.
Love,
Linda
Terry & Cheryl Harper
Monday, February 15, 2010
Betty, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lisa Lowrance Gardner
Monday, February 15, 2010
My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. Please know that I am holding each of you close to my heart today and in the days to come.
Jack & Carolyn Burbridge
Monday, February 15, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Our grand-daughters knew and loved Matthew. May God give you His comfort as only He can do.
Rick & Julie Pozza
Monday, February 15, 2010
To the Clark Family -
our hearts are saddened with your tremendous loss. May our Good Lord get you through the difficult times ahead and hold you close to His heart. Our prayers are with you.
Gerry Claybrook
Monday, February 15, 2010
Betty, Rachael, and Nick:
The Family of All Souls Church, and the Friends of His Sunday School class in Scott, express our deepest sympathy for your loss. We are profoundly saddened to hear of Matthew's death. We are grateful to him for his service to our country, and for giving his life in the defense of our freedoms. And we thank you for your unspeakable sacrifice for all of us. Our prayer is that our great God will come along side of you, to give you His strength and comfort during this difficult time, and in the days to come.
Billy & Melanie Little Fosko
Monday, February 15, 2010
Betty,
We are sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Dan, Lisa, Jaime Dykstra
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Ms. Clark
Our thoughts and prays are with and your family during this time of sorrow. Matt was and as he will be in heaven a wonderful person. Keep your memories close to your heart, they will comfort you in the days to come. May you find comfort and peace in this difficult time.
Dan, Lisa & Jaime
Oleeta McElroy
Sunday, February 14, 2010
May the LORD bless you with peace . I love you all. Will keep you in my prayers
Betty, Liz and Dicky Maas
Sunday, February 14, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Danny and Giner Griffin
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Miss Betty,
We are so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can fully express the loss of Matt. We are praying knowing that God will give you and your family the strength to make it through this valley. He will provide you with the comfort and peace. If there is anything we can do for you let us know. Love Danny, Ginger, Austin, and Cody
The Gibbons Family
Sunday, February 14, 2010
We r sorry to hear about your loss we understand what your feeling... always remember the good times and laughter heals the soul.....your in our hearts and prayers....Mary, Kenny, Michael, Joe and Rebecka Gibbons.
Rita Newland McDonald
Saturday, February 13, 2010
God bless each of you. There are no words to ease the pain, but there are wonderful memories which will bring comfort.
Ken Tobey
Saturday, February 13, 2010
May God give You his love and Peace , And may He always be with you forever in Your heart, right next to Matthew.
A-men.
ladies Aux 4513 FFB
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The ladies Aux 4513 at Fair Field Bay, want to thank you Matthew for your service to our country and the sacrefies you made by giving your life for our freedom.
we give our deepest regard to your fam.
God give them the strenght in this so most difficult time.
Els Watson jr .vice pres. 4513 Fair fFeld Bay
Gaylon Eoff
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Betty and family,
Please know that you are in our prayers. Matt was a fine young man and is now sharing his infectious smile with all in Heaven. Matt was a great friend to our son Shane.
James & Nancy Clark
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Betty and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. My the good Lord hold you in the palm of his hand and ease your pain.
Jesse Bradford
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Betty,
You were always a close friend when we were growing up. I feel so much pain and sorrow for your loss, yet I know I cannot begin to fathom the pain you are feeling. Please know that you are in my prayers daily, as are your children. Please also remember that God has welcomed Matthew home to be with his heavenly Father and his earthly father.
Jesse
Judy Collins
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dear Betty and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Know everyone I encounter have you in their thoughts. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Know he is with his Father in Heaven and his father John was waiting for him with open arms.
Becky Guthrie
Friday, February 12, 2010
Betty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Matthew will always have a special place in my heart for the big brother he was to Dillon, the fond memories of all who thought they were brothers because of their curly hair, his contagious smile and great attitude. We still laugh at the stories of him showing up for tennis or school as he just rolled out of bed with his sleepy eyes and of course many others fun stories. Mathew will forever be fondly remembered and continue to bring smiles to our faces. I can't imagine the pain and the loss you feel but I hope you have some comfort in knowing he touched a lot of lives in a positive way.
Rachel and Nick, he will forever be your baby brother hold tight to all your wonderful memories and to each other.
May you all share in the joy and peace of knowing while we struggle to understand here on earth there is a joyous celebration going on in Heaven!
With deepest sympathy and love,
Becky Guthrie
Stephanie Lawrence
Friday, February 12, 2010
Betty, Rach, and Nick
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You all have been through so much. My heart aches for the loss of Matthew.. I will never forget his sweet smile or the way he would walk around with Johnny. He was such a sweetie. My prayer is that God gives you comfort and holds you in the palm of his hand. We love you all so much!!! Danna, Starla, Stephanie, and boys
Sheila Hill Elliott
Friday, February 12, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss, Father in heaven help us as we mourn, comfort us with knowledge of your love which is stronger than death. Enable us to trust you for the future of my loved ones and myself. help us to cast all of our cares on you, knowing that the grave holds no power over those who trust in you and your son. in jesus name Amen. I am also a military mother who lost a son Sgt Kyle Quade Hill 7/27/08 We shall see our sons again.
Rosemary "Dusty" Mitchell
Friday, February 12, 2010
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I thank CPL Clark for his services to us and our country.
Rosemary "Dusty" Mitchell
Patriot Guard Member - TN
Sheila Beatty - DAR
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dear Family: Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. He is a hero.
Sheila Beatty
DAR Project Patriot Chair
Akansa Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution
Diane Travis
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dear Family, Please accept my heartfelt condolensces on the loss of your loved one. As a Marine mother who has also lost one of our Fallen Heroes, I know how badly you are hurting. Lean on each other and your faith. Remember the good times and be proud that Matthew got to acheive his dream of serving his country. To Matthew - Thank you sir for your service and making sure that we can live in a nation of freedom. Rest easy young man - your mission here is done.
Sincerely,
Diane Travis
Mother of Cpl Jason Davis sunset 7/05/08
Robert Reed
Thursday, February 11, 2010
To the family of Cpl Clark, you were blessed by a HERO! He will forever live in the minds of those who knew him. This soldiers mission on earth is complete, may you rest in Peace at the right hand of the Lord.
james blosdale
Thursday, February 11, 2010
GOD WILL TAKE HIM AND HE WILL BE WITH HIS FAMLEY FOREVER. MAY THE GOOD LOARD BE WILT YOU AT THIS TIME SGT JAMES BLOSDALE
C.V.M.A LOUISIANA CREW
Joy and Junior Appleby
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I was so sorry to hear about Matthew. When I saw Uncle John and Aunt Hazel when the children were small they were always telling me the things they did. i know he died doing what he loved to do. May God bless, Joy Dean Hensley Appleby
Brenda Linn Miller
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Betty, Rachel, and Nick,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will forever remember Matt's beautiful smile and curly blonde hair. ~Brenda
Vicki Davis & Jonathan Seaton
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Betty, there are no words........You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.....If you ever need to just talk, I will be there just to listen day or night.
Glenda Smith
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Betty,
I can only imagine the emptiness you feel. Just know that we care.
When we are the lowest God is near.
Charles and Glenda
Glenda Smith
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Betty,
I can only imagine the emptiness you feel. Just know that we care.
When we are the lowest God is near.
Charles and Glenda
Phillip & Lisa Burgess
Thursday, February 11, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss and the pain you are feeling. Your entire family is in our prayers.
Mary Ann Clark Conley
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Betty,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I wish there was a way to take your pain away. May God hold you and your family in the palm of His hand.
Kasey Lowe
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Dear Rachel and family.
I am so very sorry to hear about Matthew. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you.
Kasey
Hazel Robertson
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Dear Sweet Betty and family. I have you in my thoughts and prayers and wish I were there to give you a loving hug.