Chuck Clark

Charles R. "Chuck" Clark, former long-time Ponca City, Oklahoma resident, passed away on April 16, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas after a long battle with cancer. He was 84 years old. 

Chuck was born to Ada Marie Clark and Richard Edwin Clark on July 24, 1941, in Battle Creek, Michigan. He graduated from Battle Creek High School and earned a bachelor's degree in science engineering from The University of Michigan. He received his PhD Degree in chemical engineering from The University of Kansas in 1968,

Chuck married Joan C. Newman of Wilmette, Illinois on June 27, 1964, and they were married for 61 years. Chuck and Joan moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1968 for Chuck's employment with Continental Oil Company. He was in Production Research with Conoco for 34 years and received numerous awards and several patents during that time. 

While in Ponca City he was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Chuck very much enjoyed playing tennis and coordinated the Ponca City Open Tennis Tournament for 10 years. He was always a great supporter of his children's sports and other activities.

Chuck also cared deeply about helping seniors and was part of a group that built ramps for those with mobility issues. For many years he also helped seniors find the most cost-effective Medicare Part D Plan for the upcoming year during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. 

After retirement he was instrumental in the expansion of the Ponca City Senior Center from a Center serving only meals to a Center with a Meal Program, a Senior Center Director, and a full program of activities. He was an active member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and taught computer classes for seniors at the Senior Center. 

Chuck was also active in advocating for seniors at the State Level in Oklahoma. He was a long-time member of the Planning Committee for the annual State Conference on Aging and served as a Silver-Haired Legislator. 

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, May 2nd at 2:00 p.m. at Larksfield Place in Wichita with Rev. Paul Ellis Jackson officiating.

Survivors include his wife, Joan, of the home in Wichita, a son, Jim Clark, and wife, Deborah of Columbia, South Carolina, a daughter, Cathy Bonnesen, and husband Doug of Kechi, Kansas, a grandson Noah Bonnesen, a step-granddaughter, Abby Huffines, 2 step-great grandchildren, several nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Donations in Chuck's name can be made towards the future Center for Life Enrichment at Larksfield Place in Wichita, in keeping with Chuck's interest and passion for seniors and purposeful aging, or to a charity of choice.