Marlin Ward Clark, age 81, of North Platte, NE passed away on February 15, 2021 at Great Plains Health in North Platte. He was born on October 3, 1939 at North Platte, NE to Ward and Maxine (LaBounty) Clark.
He graduated from North Platte High School in 1958. Marlin worked for Tom and Jim's Service while in high school. He went to work for Union Pacific Railroad in 1958, where he worked for 43 years as a machinist and retired in 2001.
Marlin was united in marriage on April 9, 1961 to Mabel Smolik and they had two children: Kenneth marlin and Michelle Lynett Clark. Marlin lived in North Platte his entire life.
He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aero Space Workers. He was a member of First Baptist Church for over 50 years. He served as a trustee, Deacon, sound system operator, youth leader, drove the church van, and a member of the Sunday School Class since 1963. marlin was a Webelo's Scout Leader, coached little league baseball, worked for Habitat for Humanity for several years, and has been a member of the Good Sam's Camping Club since 2002.
Marlin's greatest love was his wife, Mabel, his children, Kenneth and Michelle, and his grandchildren. He loved attending their school and sporting events. Marlin loved working with his hands. He built their family room and double-car garage. He could fix anything that was broken (even broken hearts). He loved helping others and spent many hours at the church repairing things.
Marlin and Mabel loved camping with friends and taking their grandchildren with them. They were privileged to visit many of the 50 states, Hawaii, Alaska, Virgin Islands, and a tour of the New England states during the fall colors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kenneth Marlin; a sister, Carol Weir; and his grandparents.
He is survived by his wife, Mabel; his daughter Michelle (Marty) Pirnie; a daughter-in-law, Lennea Clark (Jay) Truesdell; five grandchildren and their spouses who lovingly called him "Papa": Lauren Michelle and Tyler Alexander, Taylor Lynn and CJ Martin, Zane Kenneth Clark, Braeden Kenneth Pirnie, and Ashlyn Kate Pirnie; and a step-grandchild, Nicholas Truesdell; a great granddaughter, Aurora Alexander; sisters, Virginia (Terry) Tyma, Dona Jameson, Sandra Clark, and Erma Johns, all of North Platte, Betty (Larry) Smith and Caryn (Dwight) Seibler, all of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law, Jerry Weir of North Platte; sisters-in-law Marie Johanson of North Platte, NE and Mary Lou Smolik of Murray, Utah; plus numerous family and friends; and his buddy, Chloe, a loving dog.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Clint Walker officiating. Burial of ashes will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte at a later date. Visitation and book signing will be at 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2021 with family receiving friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or the donor's choice.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte, NE is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences and sharing of memories may be directed to www.carpentermemorial.com.