Beech Tree News Network

Fredrick Arzellan Clark of Bowling Green, died at Hospice House on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Fredrick was born in Butler County on April 6, 1920, to Fred and Lenora Bell Cooper Clark.

Fredrick pursued lifelong education both as a scholar and an educator. He attended his Uncle John Clark's school of business in Mississippi, and was employed by General Electric until World War 2, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His business skills earned him the rank of Yeoman on the USS Gumtree. Following active duty he earned a business degree from Bentley in Auburn, Maine. While there he met and married his first wife, Evelyn Dyer Clark. Fredrick taught high school business classes, and became finance officer for the city of Auburn.

Following his wife's passing he moved to Bowling Green to be nearer to family, and to do graduate work at WKU. He began teaching in the accounting department at Western, and remained there until his retirement in 1992. While at Western he met and married Agnes Potter Clark, who was director of health services on campus at the time. Fredrick was welcomed into the family including Agnes' adult children, Doug Potter and Leanna Potter Andrews, and eventually becoming a loving grandfather to Kristin and Clay Andrews, and Harry D. Potter. Fredrick continued his education by earning advanced degrees from Mississippi State College, in Starkville, while working on a doctorate in accounting.

Fredrick was a member of First Christian Church in Bowling Green, where he served on the church board, and was an elder, also attended First Baptist Church in Morgantown. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed both tremendously.

Survivors include: one sister, Bernice Curtis of Pueblo, Colorado, one brother Billie C. Clark and wife Norma, of Morgantown, two sisters-in-law, Mary Louise Clark, and Marie Clark of Morgantown and many nieces and nephews.

Also step children, Leanna Potter Andrews (Bill), Doug Potter (Sandra), grandchildren Clay Andrews, Kristin Andrews Clark (Patrick), Harry D. Potter (Heather). Great grandchildren, Harry Potter III (Trip), Anna Davis of Leitchfield, Will and Drew Clark of Bowling Green. And also by his fiance, Louise Forsythe of Morgantown.

In addition to his parents and wives, he is preceded in death by eight brothers Elmer, Tilford, Paul, Elzie, Lloyd, Marlin, Exel, and Donald Clark and one sister Erdie Mincy.

Visitation is 5 pm to 8 pm Thursday at Smith Funeral Home in Morgantown. Funeral services at 1 pm Friday at Smith Funeral Home. Burial following the service, at Viles Family Cemetery in Morgantown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Hospice of Southern KY. Envelopes are available at the Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfuneralhome1886.com.