Earnest Clark

Earnest “Ernie” Clark, 76, of Benbrook, passed away on January 14, 2021, the day before his 42nd wedding anniversary, with his wife, Donna by his side.

A Zoom memorial will be held by invitation.

Ernie was a quirky, complex, clever man of many interests. He was a disabled Vietnam (Phan Rang) Veteran who did volunteer work with Aerospace Optimists.  Ernie was a vegetarian who enjoyed shooting, hunting, and fishing.  He built and raced dragsters, watched NASCAR, and was a Kimbell Art Museum member.  Ernie was the go-to guy for any house or car repair - and he started the monthly neighborhood wine social.

Born in Huntsville, Ala., he was a Chevy mechanic before entering the Air Force in 1963, was a 55th Weather Recon Squadron Pole Vaulter and was a Hurricane Hunter. After leaving the USAF in 1972, he didn’t cut his hair for three years. He owned an electronics rebuild shop in San Diego, and in 1988 was employed by General Dynamics. He earned a BS Management from Bellevue University and retired as an Engineering Manager from Lockheed Martin.

When he met Donna, it was true love at first sight, and they were married six months later. They worked together at GD/LM, and shared volunteering, drag-racing, shooting, travel, family, and friends.

Ernie is also survived by children, Dave (Sheila) Clark, and Samantha (Jeff) Abbott; grandchildren, Kyle (Ashleigh) and LeighAnn Abbott; mother-in-law, Anne Reisch and family; and many caring friends.