CLARK, Walter P., Jr.

Clark Jr., Walter P. Walter P. Clark, Jr. 67, of Gilbert, AZ passed away December 12, 2003 He was born in Freeman, WV on July 1, 1936 to Walter P. and Mollie Clark. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA in 1964 with an Industrial Arts Degree. After years of teaching and working in the electronic industry, he moved his family to Gilbert in 1976. He joined the Salt River Project group in 1977 where he retired in May 2002 after 25 years of service. Walter found his passion in those years in the art of "laser leveling of land". He started a business in this field and it grew rapidly. Many residents in the East Valley either knew him as "Walt" or "The guy driving the John Deere tractor with a long train of attachments following". He loved that tractor and work. Survived by his wife of 43 years Rowellyn, son Michael Clark, daughters Cathy (Scott) Ollendick, Susan (Andy) Silvas and grandchildren Robert Clark, Marisa Silvas, Justen Ollendick, Samantha Ollendick, Sydney Ollendick and Vincent Silvas; as well as close family member Brian Knutson, his sole surviving sibling Molly Gross of VA, and foster sister Sally Wilkerson of Kentucky. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Walter Samuel and James E. Clark. Valley of The Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler will be the site for the viewing on Tuesday, Dec. 16th, 5-8pm and the service on Wed., Dec. 17th 10 a.m. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Hacienda de Los Angeles, 1402 E. South Mountain Avenue, Phx AZ 85040. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/14/2003.