Clarence D. Clark of Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, in Richmond, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Reidsville, North Carolina, to Clarence Clark and Daisy Smith, Clarence lived a remarkable life marked by service, achievement, and passion. He graduated from John Adams High School before enlisting in the United States Army, serving as a Military Police officer at Fort Bragg during the Korean War. Following his military service, Clarence pursued his dream of architecture and became the first Black registered chief architect for the city of Cleveland, leaving a lasting impact on his community.

Clarence loved life fully—he was an avid pilot and took great joy in flying, and he enjoyed bowling on Thursday evenings with friends. His zest for life, dedication to family, and warm spirit touched everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Brandon C. Clark (Michele) and Brenda C. Brinson (Ronnie); grandchildren Tiffany Clark, Brittany Brinson, Briana Davenport (Gaylon), Alexis Brinson (James Wortham), and Braeden Brinson; and great-grandchildren Kamryn Brinson-Hamilton, Caleb Clark, and Avery Davenport. He also leaves behind nephew David Jefferies, Ron Nation, and Mark Nation; niece Stacy Vasquez; a host of great-nieces and nephews; and cousins Hazel Parson, Sharon Clark Jones(Dolly), Sandra Clark Ozog(Sandy), Alexandria Clark(Bunchy), June Taylor and Roberta Parson. Cherished friends include James Brown and Brenda and William Weeks and a host of others.

Clarence was preceded in death by his sister Olivia Nation and his former spouse, Marva A. Jones.

In lieu of a memorial service, the family requests that donations in Clarence’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A life so well-lived leaves memories that will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.