Carl Fredrick Clark

Major Carl F. Clark, USMC (Ret.), 70, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Born on May 10, 1955, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Homer and Olive Clark, Carl spent most of his formative years in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite his small stature, he was an athletic prodigy. Basketball became a lifelong pastime, and even into middle age, his two sons could rarely best him on the court. But baseball was his first love. He played for both his high school and American Legion teams, earned a college scholarship, and even spent time in the Milwaukee Brewers minor league organization before choosing a different path.

Before completing college, Carl felt a deep calling to serve his country. Inspired by his father, a World War II Navy Seabee and veteran of the battle of Saipan, Carl enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from boot camp at MCRD San Diego in 1975. He found his lifelong home in the Corps. Rising quickly through the ranks to Sergeant and serving as a Drill Instructor, he was soon selected for Officer Candidate School and, in 1977, commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.

Though his assignment as an officer to Iwakuni, Japan delayed his entry into flight school, it changed his life in a far greater way. Chesty Puller once said that if the Marine Corps had wanted him to have a wife it would have issued him one. The Marine Corps clearly wanted Second Lieutenant Clark to have a wife. There, on the Marine Corps flight line, he met Lance Corporal Jaime Sexton—the love of his life. They married soon after returning stateside, beginning a marriage that would last the next 42 years. Together, they raised two sons, Travis and Brian.

Carl went on to graduate from flight school and was designated as a Cobra pilot, the aircraft he flew for most of his career. He served multiple deployments, including combat tours, and held positions of great responsibility, retiring as a Major after 21 years of distinguished service. He loved being a Marine above all, and he never stopped being one in spirit.

After retirement in 1996, Carl and his family returned to Oklahoma. He dedicated the decades that followed to supporting Jaime in her education and nursing career, and to encouraging his sons in their own professional and personal pursuits. He was the steady rock of his family, occasionally selling insurance on the side but always prioritizing his role as husband and father.

More than anything, Carl longed to be a grandfather. That dream came true with the arrival of his two grandsons, Ethan and Lukas. They were the light of his later years, and nothing brought him greater joy than being “Pappy.” His happiest moments were spent in their company, whether matching Easter outfits with his grandson or cheering them on in their own adventures.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Olive Clark; his younger brother, Curt Clark; and six half-siblings. He is survived by his wife, Jaime; his sons, Travis (Ashley) and Brian; and his beloved grandchildren, Ethan and Lukas.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Arnold Moore and Neekamp Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at St. John Before the Latin Gate Catholic Church on Thursday September 18 at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the coming months at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Catholic Charities or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com. 

Carl lived his life faithfully in service, devotion, and love. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, and he kept the faith. Semper Fidelis.