Bobby Gene Clark

Bobby Gene Clark, 91, of Arcola, IL, passed away at 2:20 PM on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL. He was surrounded by family.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Arcola First Christian Church. Rev. Ken Bunker will officiate. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Arcola Honor Guard will follow in the Arcola Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 12:00 PM (Noon) to 1:00 PM. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Bobby was born on January 18, 1934, in Jasper County, IL. He was a son of Oscar N. and Gertie Mae (Parrent) Clark. He married Barbara Jean Logue on October 3, 1953, in Corinth, Mississippi.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara “Barb” Clark of Arcola, IL; four children: Johnny W. Clark of Arcola, IL; Keith Clark and his wife Vicki of Pahrump, NV; Steve Clark and his wife Rima of Peoria, AZ; and Pamela Collins and her husband Richard of Vincennes, IN; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Homer Clark of Arcola, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dale and Wayne Clark; one sister, Roberta Eaton; and a son-in-law, Melvin Skaggs.

Bobby was a 1951 graduate of Arcola High School. After he and Barb were married, he joined the Air Force.

He worked at USI in Tuscola for over 25 years as a maintenance mechanic. He also spent many years helping his brothers build houses, and later worked alongside his sons building and remodeling homes in the Arcola area. Most recently, he drove a school bus for Arcola and also worked as a janitor.

Bobby was an avid Arcola football fan, as well as a fan of the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, and Illini basketball.

Memorials may be made to the Arcola VFW or Arcola Athletics.