Floyd Rowe Clark was born July 20, 1944 to Howard Dean Clark, Sr. and Caley Lorraine Akenhead Clark in Little Rock, Arkansas. He passed from this life January 24, 2012 in Springfield, Mo.  

Floyd married his high school sweetheart, Garnet Ann Strawn on March 27, 1964 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She survives and lives in Shannon County. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Faye Lorraine (Lorri) and Sara Alicia. Lorri lives in St. Louis with her husband Robert Lee Murray and daughter Caley Lorraine. Sara lives near Canyon Lake California with her partner Andrea MacLachlan. Floyd loved these people unconditionally.  

Floyd also leaves four brothers. Dean, lives in Bossier City, La. Jim, Noel and Joel live in the greater Little Rock area. Floyd's bond with them and their families was strong as only a brother's love can be. 

Floyd was a teacher all his life. He enjoyed athletic activities and was skilled at swimming, outdoor sports, and physical challenges. He loved music and singing and sang a wide range of styles from Classical Choral works (with Garnet) to church anthems as well as barbershop. He developed close friendships and musical fun with Soft Touch, a barbershop quartet in Sedalia.

Floyd  valued education. He graduated from Little Rock Central High in 1962.  In 1973 he earned his Bachelor of Science and then his Master of Science in 1981 at the University of Missouri. Over his lifetime Floyd worked as an educator and administrator in positions with the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was Assistant Director at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia for 5 years. He was Community Development Specialist for University of Missouri Extension from 1996 to 2005 serving Shannon and other counties in southern Missouri. After retirement he was a substitute teacher in the public schools.

As a volunteer, Floyd gave unselfishly to every community he lived in, serving on city boards, civic groups, commissions and statewide committeesÑlending his unique perspective to discussions and decisions. Most often a peacemaker, he didn't hesitate to defend the Truth or someone's well-being when they were in jeopardy.  

Floyd loved babies, little boys, little girls, teenagers, men and women. He had an unshakeable faith in God and the good that humans can do. He was an optimist in the most challenging situations. Throughout his 3 year struggle with the devastation of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) he cheered up his family, friends and caregivers with hopeful enthusiasm for life. He will be missed by his family and friends, but we celebrate the joy and love he gave to us all. 

Floyd and his family request that in place of flowers, donations be made to ALS research thru the ALS chapter in St. Louis or Springfield.  

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