Willard Gene Clark

June 25, 1931 - September 13, 2016

Willard Gene Clark, 85, of Rocky Ford, Colorado passed away Tuesday, September 13, 2016 while in the presence of his youngest son at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center, La Junta, Colorado. Willard was born in Maxwell, New Mexico, on June 25, 1931, a son of the late Alice (Critchfield) and Gene Clark. He graduated from Las Vegas High School in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He served in the US Army for two years with a tour in Korea. He married Helen Joyce Hibner, his wife of 60 years, on May 21, 1955 in Estancia, New Mexico. He retired from the BNSF Railroad after 40 plus years of service in the electrical and signal departments. As a young man, he enjoyed bull and bronc riding. In 1960 he bought a small farm and ranch in the Higbee Valley south of La Junta, Colorado where they raised cattle and bred quarter horses. In the early 70's he started motocross and flat track racing. He also competed in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, the Purgatoire River Run and many other dirt bike competitions. During this time he mentored many of the local youth through the interest of motor cycle racing. He later returned to breeding quarter horses, producing championship racing and bull dogging stock . Willard was a master wood worker, building his own furniture. He also created award winning plow disc art, using a cutting torch. He is survived by his son Bruce Clark and wife Vickie of Lexington, Oklahoma, daughter Janice Cairns of Albuquerque, New Mexico, son Justin Clark of Rocky Ford, Colorado and sister Mary Alice Davis of Moriarty, New Mexico. He is also survived by five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Clark; and his sister Imogene Muse, brother Charles Clark and sister Patricia Epps. There will be no viewing as cremation has been effected. Inurnment will be private at a later time. The family requests that donations be made to Valley Community Church, County Road 22.75, Rocky Ford, CO 81067. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.

SERVICES

Private Family Services

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Ford-Ustick Funeral Home

305 N. 8th Street

Rocky Ford, Colorado 81067