House Resolution 20

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. HOWARD D. CLARK AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on February 10, 2020, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Dr. Howard D. Clark, to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Clark's community lost a wonderful friend with his passing, and there is now a hush in our hearts as we come together to pay our respects to the memory of one who has been called to join that innumerable heavenly caravan; and

WHEREAS, for over 60 years, Dr. Howard D. Clark of the Clark Medical Clinic in Morton, Mississippi, was a devoted and beloved family practitioner, dedicating his life to caring for the citizens of Scott County; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from Richton High School in 1944, Dr. Clark joined the army and served in the South Pacific as a medic, and he went on to earn his bachelor of science degree from Mississippi State University and later received his medical certificate in 1953 and graduated from Tulane University with his medical degree before completing his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1956; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Clark's numerous years as a physician gave him the opportunity to encounter the human body at almost every juncture in life, from birth to death, giving him more familiarity and skill with the practice of medicine than most physicians will ever have the opportunity to experience; and

WHEREAS, after 44 years of serving the rural communities of Scott County, Dr. Clark was honored with the Country Doctor of the Year award in 2000 for his commitment to his patients and was recognized by both houses of the United States Congress, and in 2004, his efforts were once again recognized by the nation when he was inducted into the Caring Institute's Hall of Fame for Caring Americans; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Clark's hard work and dedication to the citizens of Scott County emanated from his inner being as evidenced by his devotion to his patients, and in 2005, the Scott County Times named Dr. Clark the Humanitarian of the Year, and he was honored by former Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck in 2006 with a plaque recognizing his 50 years of public service; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his family medicine practice, Dr. Clark served the citizens of Scott County in numerous capacities, such as being a member and past president of the Scott County School Board, as well as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Democratic Executive Committee and many other civic organizations; and

WHEREAS, each season, Dr. Clark took his place on the sidelines of the Morton High School football games as the team's doctor, for over 60 years, cheering on the Panthers, and he was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Morton, where he taught the adult Sunday School class; and

WHEREAS, for over 30 years during his medical career, Dr. Clark performed all the surgeries and delivered all the babies in Morton, and he devoted his life to helping others and made an indelible impression on the lives of those he touched; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, the legacy of Dr. Howard D. Clark's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his loved ones and all those who were fortunate enough to know Dr. Clark:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Howard D. Clark and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Dr. Howard D. Clark and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.