Terry Lance Clark
Terry Clark Obituary
Terry Lance Clark passed away at the MorningStar Senior Living Facility in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, as a result of not being able to receive dialysis. His heart had become so damaged over the years from dialysis, he couldn’t maintain a high enough blood pressure to continue treatment.
Terry was born on May 21, 1948, in Dillon, Montana. He was the fifth of eleven children born to Kenneth Duane Clark and Marcie Clark of Lima, Montana. Terry attended Lima Public Schools and graduated high school in May 1967. Terry was extremely shy, but did participate in basketball, football, and track. Terry’s best sport was basketball. Terry spent many hours perfecting his shot and was very good. He always shot a high percentage. At one time when his brother John was considered decent, Terry, after he returned from Vietnam and hadn’t touched a basketball in years, completely outshot John and it wasn’t even close.
Throughout high school, Terry worked at different ranches. Upon graduation, Terry worked for the Union Pacific Railroad to earn money for college. College was not for him. He didn’t attend class, and soon received a “Greetings from the President” letter and was immediately drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon completion of advanced infantry training, he received orders for Vietnam. Terry was involved in heavy combat and was exposed to a lot of death and what is considered the worst in human nature. He was known by his fellow soldiers as “Flyman” (explanation not forth coming). In fact, when someone was looking for Sgt. Terry Clark, his fellow soldiers didn’t know who they were talking about.
Terry was not a letter writer. His entire 14 months in Vietnam, he only wrote three letters, two of which arrived back home the same day. His mother sent him a letter that said “I’m alive” and a stamped return envelope hoping he would sign it and send it back. He actually thought about just putting a question mark on it.
He volunteered to stay an extra couple of months in Vietnam so that he wouldn’t have to be stationed at a facility back in the States. He was in the rear area, felt safe, and thought the two extra months would be easy. Unfortunately, they put him back in combat. Terry achieved the rank of Sergeant, received the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Frame Unit Award, the marksmanship award for the M-14 and M-16 rifles and the M-60 machine gun. But the most coveted award Terry has that anyone in the military who doesn’t earn it is the Combat Infantry Badge which is only earned by getting shot at by the enemy.
Following his military service, Terry worked as a section hand on the Union Pacific Railroad for many years. Terry’s focus was to follow his brothers, John and Rick, while they participated in sports. He also later followed nephews and nieces while they participated in Lima sports. Terry continued working for the railroad until he hurt his back and was medically retired. His exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam also caught up to him and eventually shut down his kidneys. He had many years of dialysis which finally damaged his heart beyond repair and forced him into hospice care.
After Vietnam, Terry eventually turned to religion to heal from the emotional wounds he suffered in combat. He became an active member of the Lima Branch of the Butte, Montana Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held callings ranging from a councilor in the Branch Presidency to being the clerk to teaching the youth. His faith in Jesus Christ and knowledge of the scriptures allowed him to be an example for everyone, especially his siblings.
Terry was always kind and thought of others. He was generous and helped every one of his siblings at one time or another. He also helped many other people who were not related to him. Terry, in addition to being shy, was unwilling to marry and have children because many Veterans that were exposed to Agent Orange had children born with deformities.
Terry moved to Idaho Falls eleven years ago. He moved into MorningStar Senior Living, staying in an independent living cottage. Here he made many close friends at this facility where he was treated really well (loved and was loved) by the staff and those that lived there. Terry also loved the people of the Church’s Longcove Ward in Idaho Falls. Terry conducted LDS meetings at MorningStar for several years for the Longcove Ward Bishopric who hold separate Sunday meetings for the seniors at MorningStar.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Marcie; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Roy Jackson; brother, Kenneth Clark (aka Danny); brother, Wade (Jane) Clark; brother, Dennis Clark; brother, Larry Clark and nephew, Mike Clark. He is survived by sister, Linda Jean McCullum of Layton UT; sister, Nancy (Jim) Gilbert of St. George, UT; brother, John (Arleen) Clark of Lima, MT; brother, Rick (Peggy) Clark of Dillon, MT; and sister, Tammy (David) Wilson of Coeur d’Alene, ID.
Terry’s family is grateful to Bishop Ross and the many friends in the local church ward. They are also grateful to the the management, staff, and residents at MorningStar for 11 years of kindness, love, and friendship to Terry. We were impressed at the efforts and dedication of Hands of Hope Hospice. A special thanks are given to the management and staff and residents at MorningStar for the touching and dignified send-off they gave Terry when he departed the facility for the last time.
Funeral services for Terry will be at the Long Cove Ward, 1925 East 49th South, Ammon, Idaho, on April 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing before the services at 9 a.m. Following the services, Terry will be transported to Lima, Montana, for a short graveside service and interment at 2 p.m.
A luncheon will be provided by the Lima Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints immediately following the graveside service for all that want to attend.
