Viewing page 2 of 3
This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
Reflections on the Life of Lt. Col. Major Clark Major Clark passed on to his heavenly reward on Wednesday, December 22, 1999. Lt. Col. Major Clark was born on December 7, 1917, in Headland, Alabama. By the age of seven, Major his four siblings; Bernardia, William, Fred and Majorie, and parents, Marcus Elijah Clark and Elizabeth Bailey Clark, moved to Haskell, Oklahoma Early in Major's life, his superior intelligence was evident. He graduated as valedictorian from Booker T. Washington High School in Haskell, at age 16 1/2. In 1940, realizing that a Black man had few options for success, Major joined the U.S. Army. He became a member of the 92nd Division, 597th Field Artillery Unit. He fought in World War II and Korea. He received numerous medals. After four years at the Pentagon, Major retired from the Army in 1960, and moved his family first to Haskell, and then to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Major began a second career at McDonnell Douglas and retired in 1979. Throughout his second career he continued his involvement in military issues. As troop historian, he was writing a book on the 92nd Division. He fought, mostly behind the scenes, to correct the historical lies, distortions, and injustices regarding our Black military men. Major, an inductee into the Artillery Hall of Fame and Ft. Sill, gained an international reputation as an expert in Black military history. Some of his achievements include the positive and accurate rewriting of the official Department of Defense publications regarding the courage and contributions of Blacks in the military; appearing on Tony Brown's Journal; and assisting with the official exoneration of Henry o. Flipper, the first Black West Point graduate. Major was also instrumental in the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to a Black veteran from Oklahoma, Reuben Rivers, an effort that took 50 years. Major was invited to the White House Ceremony for this event, but declined to attend. Major's wife, Frances Doris Petree Clark, preceded him to glory. He is survived by his three children and their spouses ~ William and Deborah Clark of Lafayette, Louisiana; Vivian and Carl Adams of Tulsa; Gregory and Felecia Clark of Tulsa ~ and five grandchildren ~ Lael Marcus, Wenona Lynn, Letoia Levon, Marcus Major, and Franklin William Clark. Order of Service Music for Consolation .............. The Musician Processional................... Family & Friends Selection .....[italics]] If I Can Help Somebody"[[/italics]] Scripture.............Rev. James Johnson Pastor, Star of Bethlehem Baptist Church Prayer ..............Rev. John Williams, Jr. Pastor, Rose of Sharon Baptist Church Selection................Rose of Sharon Choir Acknowledgement & Resolutions ..................... Reflection ........................................ Selection .................Rose of Sharon Choir Tributes- Two Minutes Please ......Family & Friends Message of Comfort ....Dr. John E. Williams, Sr. The Benediction ................................... Recessional ..................Jack's Memory Chapel Staff in Charge
