Bob E. Clark

Bob crossed over and was received into his heavenly Fathers everlasting arms on March 31, 2023. Bob passed peacefully at the Rouse Home in Youngsville, PA  44 days (about 1 and a half months) before his 94th Birthday. His relationship to Jesus Christ drove his desire to love God and neighbor, and this single factor defined his life. His love and faith have shaped 3 generations and counting.  He was born in Warren PA. May 14, 1929, to the late Gordon and Isabelle Clark. He was raised in Youngsville, PA with his 2 siblings. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Helen Clark and his brother James Clark.   

Bob is survived by his younger brother, Denny Clark

Bob is also survived by 4 children, Nancy Church of Denver, CO. Robert Clark (Judy) of Youngsville, David Clark (Christine) of Pittsfield and John Clark (Mari) of South Bend, IN. His legacy continues with 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Also included are 19 most beloved nieces and nephews both living and deceased.   

Bob attended Youngsville Elementary/High school and later attended and graduated from Youngsville High School in 1947

He was married to his high school sweetheart and best friend Helen A. Clark.  They enjoyed 71 years of Covenant Marriage that began in the Little Stone Church in Irvine on May 14, 1948. Their example of love and forgiveness has been both an encouragement and a witness to the keeping power of God’s faithfulness and the love of God in a marriage.

Bob loved all his grandchildren so very much. Getting to watch them grow up and having the privilege of knowing them both as children and adults was so especially important to him.  Life was good when he went to sporting events, school events or church programs and then to their weddings. Then having those same grandchildren bring great grandchildren back to his home in his later years was the smile that went all the way to his heart.  He also had the privilege of being in personal loving relationships with nieces and nephews from both sides of the family.

After marriage he worked at the National Forge as a lathe operator while his new wife Helen worked in the accounting department.  He also worked at Sylvania in Warren PA as a lathe operator. Next, he worked for a brief time for the PA Department of Revenue.  He then partnered with his Father and Brother Jim in the newly acquired family business, Clark’s Ford Inc. In 1963 four friends and Bob bought a drilling rig and started Penn Flo Oil Company.  In 1968 he founded Gas and Oil Management with his partner, Edward Sullivan. Gas and Oil Management is now a third “generation” business operated by his grandsons.

Bob was reborn on March 17, 1950.  God’s call to Bob came through a neighbor, this “good neighbor” Marion Jackson who invited Bob and Helen to go to church with her.  Bob answered Gods offer of forgiveness propitiated by Jesus Christ and that single act changed his and our families for all eternity.  You cannot really talk about Bob without talking about his faith and in particular his love for Jesus and His people.  Bob loved being involved and encouraging other believers.  He loved to share the help and hope that he had found in in his personal worship of Jesus and to help others discover that they too can know and love Jesus Christ. Bob will most likely be remembered for being thankful and encouraging others to discover the power of thankfulness.

Bob also demonstrated his faith in developing and supporting various Christian Ministries.  Bob loved working as a teacher. He instructed adults for decades and later in life he taught Jr./Sr. High students and young children. He was an accomplished pianist and organist and singer and participated in everything from solos to choirs.  He was a fill in speaker for various churches and on occasion he and my mother would sing together before he would preach. He was instrumental in the establishment and funding of several orphanages in third world countries.  He also funded several young men thru seminary and loved to encourage pastors whenever and wherever he could. He helped widows manage their finances in the family and in the Church family and who can know the extent of bridge loans given to those in need. In his later years he loved playing piano for the Sunday Night Childrens program called "Juniors for Jesus” and his last teaching position was simply named “Bobs Class” and that was all that was needed to fill the room.  He was also involved in the following Christian ministries:

Evangelical United Methodist Church, Youngsville. Pittsfield Otterbein UMC, Praise Fellowship, Russell. Youngsville Free Methodist Church

Co-Founder of Days of Decision Retreat Center in Liberty, New York

Warren County Christian School Founding Board Member and Chairman of the Board for many years

Warren County Christian Singles

Gods Station Inc. (WGSI) Board member

Founder of Clark Foundation, Inc.

Leader of Promise Keepers Men's Ministry

Bob was civic minded and used his leadership gifts in the following organizations:

Barber shoppers of Warren, His Father Gordon was a Charter Member of the Conewango Clippers.

Helped start the Hot Stove Little League which was the Precursor of the Warren County Little League.

Youngsville Swimming Pool board member tasked to help raise funds for our Youngsville Community Pool. 

Pa Oil and Gas Association Board Member and Chairman of the Board. 

Warren County YMCA Board Member and Chief Fundraiser for the new YMCA in Warren.

Penn Bank and Integra Bank Board Member

Conewango Valley Country Club Board Member and Board Chairman

Beagle Club board member and Chairman in Titusville

Bobs hobbies included golfing and hunting with birddogs, coonhounds and beagles. And yes, he loved the First Day of Buck Season with family and friends.  Bob received his first horse (pony) as a gift from his parents and continued enjoying horses and horsemanship throughout his life.  He loved the wonder of these animals and what they could be trained to do and how they bonded with their trainer/owner.

During the 1980’s and 1990’s he and Helen enjoyed their 2nd home in Charlotte, NC

Friends will be received at the Youngsville Free Methodist Church on Davis Street on Saturday, April 8 from 3 to 5 for visiting hours.  A memorial service will also be held at 5:00 PM at the Free Methodist Church. A Meal will follow the memorial service for family and friends at the church as well.  In lieu of flowers the family request a donation be made to Clark Foundation Inc., 80 Dillon Drive Youngsville, PA  16371 which is a non-profit ministry Bob started to support Christian Ministries.  

All arrangements are being entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Youngsville and email condolences can be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net  

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