Patrick Clark

Patrick C. Clark, 84, passed away at 5:15 p.m. on May 21, 2014 at Good Samaritan Hospital.Pat was born on July 18, 1929 in Cannelton, the son of Dutch and Mollie (Jaegers) Clark. A few years later his father passed away from tuberculosis, and shortly thereafter, Pat himself was diagnosed with osteomyelitis, an infection that attacks the bones. Years later he would proudly tell people he shared the same affliction as the beloved New York Yankee, Mickey Mantle. As a child, Pat spent four years at Riley Hospital undergoing treatment, and while a patient there his mother, too, died from TB, leaving Pat an orphan. After a stay with his grandmother, Pat eventually went to live at the old St. Vincent Orphanage on South Hart Street Road near St. Vincent de Paul. In later years, Pat would take the lead in organizing reunions of "St. Vincent boys."Pat eventually went into broadcasting, working at WAKO in Lawrenceville, Ill., as a broadcaster, news director and sports announcer.Pat also went into politics, serving as a Democratic Party city councilman for 19 years. "He was very dedicated, a champion of the underdog," recalled his former colleague, Mark Hill. "He easily identified with his constituents, and he felt it his obligation to represent those with similar challenges. He never lost track of that."Pat was a huge Vincennes Lincoln Alice fan and a member of the Knights of Columbus.He married a local girl, Jo Ann (Pace) Clark, in August of 1967 and she survives, along with their two sons, Scott Clark of Vincennes, Ryan Clark and his wife, Breanne, of Vincennes; grandchildren, Seth, Jude and Juleanne Clark; and brother, Frank Clark of Batesville.Pat was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Norman Sciefers and sister, Betty.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at St. John Catholic Church with the Rev. David Fleck officiating. Friends may visit with Pat's family from 3-8 p.m. Monday in the council chamber at Vincennes City Hall, 205 Vigo St. Goodwin Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vincennes Athletic Booster Club.Online condolences may be sent at http://www.goodwinfamilyfh.com