Melvin W. Clark, Jr.

Melvin Wesley Clark Jr. was born in Omaha, Nebraska on December 8, 1943 during a blizzard, as his mom liked to say. He grew up in South Omaha with his sister and three brothers who affectionately refer to him as “Punchy.” He earned this nickname from a hospital nurse when she met his older sister named Judy and she was reminded of the Punch & Judy show. This nickname stuck with him for the rest of his life with all his nieces and nephews as well!

Mel graduated from South High in 1962 and has always loved being a part of planning the South High Reunions. After high school, he did a couple years in college at UNO before joining the Navy as a Hospital Core man during the Vietnam Draft. He eventually graduated from UNO with a Business Degree once the war was over. Mel remained in the Navy until 1992, with his last year of service at Camp Lejeune during the Dessert Storm war.

In 1979, he met the love of his life, Deb, and they married in the spring of 1980. In 1981, they had their first child, Shane and not long after, Meghan arrived in 1982.

His love of travel and his ease with talking with people from all walks of life eventually led him into the insurance business where he worked for the next 40 years.

Throughout his life, Mel loved scouting and camping, and he was thrilled when he was able to start Shane in the Cub Scouts at St. Margaret Mary’s School. Even after Shane became an Eagle Scout in 2000 and went onto be in the Navy himself, Mel continued working with the Boy Scouts for the next 20 years mentoring other boys on their journey to Eagle Scout and serving on the Eagle Board of Review. He also served on the Mid-America Council as camping chairman and district commissioner, volunteered at summer camps, and participated in the Jamborees. Mel loved to take the scouts on all the camping trips and high adventures in places like Pike’s Peak, the boundary waters, and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. One of his proudest achievements during his years with the Boy Scouts was earning the Silver Beaver Award, the highest recognition a local Council can bestow upon a volunteer leader.

​Anyone who knew Mel well, knew how much he loved his collections. He loved to buy old Colman lanterns and stoves to tinker on and restore. So…many…lanterns. He also loved to collect hats from everywhere he visited, national geographics, coins, scout patches, oh…and did we mention hats?

​Mel had a great sense of humor and style. His jokes and choice of socks could bring laughter and joy to anyone around him. He loved to help others and volunteer whenever someone needed a hand.

​For years and years…and years… he only asked his kids for one gift…. grandkids. At the young age of 73, he finally got his wish with his granddaughter, Belle (his little shining star), and 2 years later, he gained his best buddy, Eli. Eli and his Grampy were almost inseparable with Eli insisting on spending all his time with Grampy whether it be at his house, the hospital, or even his room at rehab. We are sure Grampy will be looking down on Belle and Eli for years to come, hoping they carry on his sense of style and love of hats and lanterns.

Preceded in death by his parents, Melvin, Sr. and Helen Clark. Survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Debra; children, Shane (Stephanie) Clark and Meghan (Nick) Bochynski; 2 grandchildren, Belle and Eli; siblings, Judy (Grant) Williams, David (Connie) Clark, Douglas (Joyce) Clark and Steven (Becky) Clark; his extended family and many good friends.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Friday, August 11, 2023, 10:00am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church with interment Monday at 10:00am in Omaha National Cemetery. 

VISITATION with the family begins Thursday, August 10, 2023, after 5:00pm at the 72nd Street Chapel with a WAKE service at 7:00pm. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church.