RAPID CITY- Mitchell Thomas Clark was the tenth child born to Gertrude Rose (Savage) and Charles Thomas Clark on April 13, 1928. Delivered by Mrs. Kurzy, midwife, in Cody, Nebraska, Mitchell joined eight sisters (Marguerite, Hazel, Opal, Ruby, Jewel, Lucille, Betty, and Lois) and one brother, Charles "Bud".

Mitchell attended the Cody Schools from first grade through graduation in May of 1946. While unenthused in his first years of school, once he discovered girls and sports he stated: "You couldn't keep me away with a stick!" At 13, as he entered high school, World War II took many of Mitchell's older schoolmates away from Cody High. Four years later, as a senior, he traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, for a physical, but because the war ended, he did not enlist at that time. Among his favorite memories of high school are many football and basketball games. While the war and its impact on the economy curtailed the football seasons in his tenth through twelfth grades, Mitchell played End in his freshman year. He was a member of the basketball team throughout high school as a Forward. Coached by Superintendent E.M. Samuelson, the team used zone defense and improved immensely after a traveling colored team came through Cody and taught them how to shoot one-handed. In a victory against Martin, SD, Mitchell recalled individually scoring over 20 points with his one-handed lay-ups.

Following high school Mitchell planned on going to barber school, but signed on to feed cows for Johnny Yancy for several months while he awaited an opening. He had purchased a 1934 Hudson with a rumble seat and recalled having many kids in the car the first day he drove it. In January of 1947, having sold a couple of cows and his Hudson, Mitchell enrolled in Barber College in Sioux City, Iowa. He attributes paying for college with the proceeds of the car he purchased for $85 and sold for $650.

Upon completing the six-month training program, Mitchell arranged to complete his two years of apprenticeship in Martin, South Dakota, with Gustafer Jonas, beginning work on September 7, 1947. It was during his apprenticeship that he first met the woman who would become his wife: Rowena Faye Kirk. The beginning of the Korean Conflict prompted Mitchell's return to Omaha, NE, for his second military physical in the summer of 1948. In September of 1950, upon completion of his barber apprenticeship, he enlisted in the Navy.

During his enlistment, Mitchell served on two ships: the first being the USS LSM 268. He was transferred to the USS Seminole 104 as Second Class Petty Officer where he served as the ship's barber and was promoted to Leading Petty Officer of the Supply Division. Mitchell's military service afforded him the opportunity to travel to Sasabo and Yakuska, Japan; Pusan, Korea; Red China; the North Pole, Alaska, and Hawaii (where he suffered shellfish poisoning). Although he planned on being a career Navy man like his brother Bud, Mitchell again encountered Rowena Kirk while home on leave in the Fall of 1953 and as a result, in the summer of 1954 he separated from the Navy having served 3 years, 9 months, and 27 days.

Mitchell returned to the Cody, NE area and briefly worked for a brother-in-law in the hayfields as well as barbering. In the fall of 1954 he moved to Gordon, NE, where he barbered for Harry Holsinger. Choosing to work independently, Mitchell initially set up shop in the Old Schneider Hotel, Martin, SD. Mitchell held a barber license for a total of 60 years (1947 – 2007), owning and operating Clark's Barbershop for the majority of time.

Mitchell Thomas Clark and Rowena Faye Kirk were married on April 26, 1955, in Martin, SD. They were blessed with five children: Christie, Connie (Brad) Tucker; Cammie, Cathie, and Micheal (Michelle) Clark; grandchildren: Tiffany Johnson, Tashia (Dave) Freund, Tawna (Rusty) Gust, Cachelle Cronin, Terrin (Jesse) Dorathy, Tanner (Karen) Tucker, Kasey (Donald) Salazar; Jordan (Natasha) Johnson, Bailie Cronin; Kadeyn Johnson, Chataie, Macenzie Cronin, Ramzie Cronin, Kyler Clark, and Chantia; great-grandchildren: Paxton Freund, Isabella Gust, Hunter Salazar, Rowan Freund, Jenner Dorathy, Tucker Gust, and Lilith Tucker.

A talented man with an amazing work ethic, in addition to barbering, Mitch used his skills in maintaining rental homes, assisting Rowena in business ventures, owning a second-hand store, and delivering mail on a rural route. He served on the Martin Volunteer Fire Department, Martin City Council, and Lacreek Electric Association. An amazing and supportive father, his free time was spent hunting and fishing (typically with one or more of his children). He enjoyed sharing the experience of hunting and fishing with his grandchildren and his oldest grandson, Tanner, returned the favor later in grandpa's life.

In August 1985, Mitchell underwent six-way heart bypass surgery, performed by Dr. Theodore Roman, in Sioux City, Iowa. Mitch and his family are extremely grateful for the 31+ years Dr. Roman's skilled hands afforded him. Mitch lived his final three years of life at the New Underwood Good Samaritan Nursing Home where he was well cared for and loved. Special thanks to Dave Scofield, roommate; Kenny Karp and other volunteers; therapists; and all staff. Mitch enjoyed playing Poker on Tuesdays and Bingo on Wednesdays.

Grateful for sharing in his life, Mitch is survived by sister, Betty Shields, of Cody, NE, Rowena Clark (Rapid City), children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses and significant others, great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Visitation will be from noon until service time. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with full military honors rendered by the US Navy Honor Guard and the VFW Post 1273.