It's Time To Begin Anew

I noted that my last blog was posted on August 2, 2012.   I'm sorry that I have not been very faithful to continue with my historical and genealogical writing, but perhaps now I will be able to continue with regular contributions through the fall and winter.

As I've mentioned before, I began this blog because I have hundreds of photographs gifted to me from my mother, and both grandmothers.   Fortunately, most of the people in those photographs are identified.   I promised these ladies that I would publish them and share them with my siblings and other relatives.   At the time, I thought I'd write a book but preparing this blog is much better.  Not only are the photographs and information available to my immediately family, but also to my extended family and anyone who cares to utilize the blog.   I'm also very happy that any of the photos on this blog are easily copied and transferred to the computer of the reader.   It's certainly a win/win situation.   Now all I have to do is scan the photos and write the material.

This past week, I returned from attending the funeral of my younger brother, Steven K. Clark of Topeka, Kansas.   Steve was only 57 years old.  Five years ago, doctors discovered lung cancer and Steve underwent surgery to remove affected areas.   Surgery was followed by chemo therapy.  It took several months, but Steve's health improved and he was hopeful that he had beaten it.

Unfortunately, the cancer returned earlier this year as bone marrow cancer and lymphoma.   Steve has spent much of the last three months either hospitalized or in Hope Lodge, a residential treatment center of the American Cancer Society in Kansas City, Missouri.  Unfortunately, all that could be done by physicians and medical science, as well as a loving wife and family, could not prevent his untimely death.

I was 12 when my twin brothers, Steven K. and Stanley J. Clark, were born in 1955.  I was old enough to help with their care, and yes, tease them mercilessly.  Unfortunately, I was headed off to college when they entered Kindergarten, so I missed a good portion of their grade school and high school days.   As happened when my mother passed away in 2011, I heard stories about Steve and Stan's early life that I had never heard when we met with the pastor to plan his funeral service.

As happens when identical twins are separated, my brother Stanley J. Clark has especially felt the loss.  Stan told the pastor that he didn't think a single day had passed in the last 57 years when he and Steve didn't visit in person or on the phone several times.   They did everything together through their life.

Steve's wife Brenda (Harris) Clark, has been his rock throughout his battle against cancer.   She stayed by his side, sleeping in a hospital bed much of the time, to make sure that he took his medicines and had the help he needed.  No wife was ever more loving and loyal than Brenda.

Steve's children, were there for him, and without a doubt, one of the most important people in his life over the past year was his grandson, Noah Porter Ray.  Here is a copy of Steve's obituary:


Steven K Clark, 57, of Topeka, passed away September 7, 2012 at a Topeka hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Steve was born January 27, 1955, in Wamego KS to John L. and Lucille (Corbin) Clark. He graduated from Alma High School 1973. He married Brenda Harris September 15, 1979 in Topeka. She survives. Steve started his 36 years of working at the Colmery-O'Neil V.A. Medical Center as a nurse's aide, then supply technician and finally as head of supply for logistics. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt and he graciously shared his bounty. Steve was a loving husband, a wonderful father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, Topeka; children, T.J. Clark, Topeka, Katy Lynn Clark (Josh Ray), Topeka; grandson, Noah; brothers, Nicholas L. Clark, Palm Springs CA, Gary W. Clark, Maple Hill; twin brother, Stanly J Clark (Karen), Topeka; parents-in-law, Denzil and Marilyn Harris; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Sherry O'Neill, Holton, and David and Emily Harris, Topeka; many nieces and nephews and his loving yellow lab, Buck. Family will greet friends from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614, where a Memorial Celebration of Life will be at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Clark Grandchildren Education Memorial Fund at any Envista Credit Union or to American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, KC MO sent in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com. Steven K. Clark

Published in Topeka Capital-Journal on September 9, 2012

 

I want to end by including some photographs of Steve and his family.   Steve, I wish you God's Speed on your new journey.

 

 

This is the first known photograph of Steven K. and Stanley J. Clark, twin sons of John L. "Tim" and Lucille (Corbin) Clark.   The photograph was taken shortly after their birth on January 27, 1955.  Steve is on the left and Stan is on the right.

 

This is a photograph of the John L. "Tim" Clark family, taken in the dining room of the Robert and Mildred (McCauley) Corbin farm home south of Maple Hill, Kansas.  L-R: Stan Clark, Lucille (Corbin) Clark, Gary Clark, Steve Clark, John "Tim" Clark and Nicholas "Nickey" Clark.  This photograph was taken in the late summer of 1956.

 

This is a photograph taken in the living room of the John "Tim" and Lucille (Corbin) Clark home in Maple Hill, Kansas sometime in 1955.  L-R:  Steve Clark, Lucille (Corbin) Clark, and Stan Clark.

This photo was taken behind the Maple Hill Central Office in 1955.  L-R: Steve Clark, John L. "Tim" Clark and Stan Clark.

These photos are of Steven when he attended Maple Hill Grade School, Maple Hill, Kansas

 

 

This photograph is of the wedding party for Steve and Brenda (Harris) Clark, taken September 15, 1979 in Topeka, Kansas.  L-R:  Amy (Clark) Allendorf, Nicholas Clark, Verona (Little) Clark, Nicholas Clark II, John L. "Tim" Clark, Lucille (Corbin) Clark, Brenda (Harris) Clark, Steven K. Clark, Mildred (McCauley) Corbin-Clark, Mabel R. (Jones) Clark,Terri (O'Dell) Clark, Gary W. Clark, Judy (Henderson) Clark, and Stanley J. Clark.

 

The Steve Clark Family:  L-R:  Katy Lynn Clark, Steven K. Clark, Timothy John Clark, and Brenda (Harris) Clark.

 

 

L-R:  standing Steven K. Clark, Stanley J. Clark and Gary Wayne Clark.   Seated, Lucille (Corbin) Clark, and John Leander "Tim" Clark.   The photo was taken in the living room of Moundview Farm, west of Maple Hill, Kansas.

 

 

This photograph was taken shortly before Steve's death.  L-R:  Steven K. Clark, Timothy John Clark, Katy Lynn Clark, Noah Porter Clark, and Joshua Ray.  The photo was taken by Brenda (Harris) Clark.