Obituary of Francis Clark

Francis A. Clark, 85, a life-long resident of DuBois, died Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at the DuBois Nursing Home. Born June 13, 1927, he was the son of John F. and Ruth Alabran Clark. On September 10, 1946, he married Patricia L. Monighan who survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Kate Clark of Bellefonte, Nancy Blauser and husband, Daniel, of Seneca, and Carol Young and husband, Larry, of Findlay, Ohio, and 4 grandchildren. Francis served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Known as "Clarkie the Mailman", he was a carrier from 1947 to 1982. After retiring from the Post Office, he drove truck for a mail contractor, taking mail from DuBois to Pittsburgh and back. He loved camping, hiking, and backpacking. He was acknowledged as the first person to hike the Susquehannock Trail, an 85-mile loop trail in Potter and northern Clinton Counties, in wintertime. He made many short and long hikes in Pennsylvania and hiked on the Appalachian Trail from Connecticut to Virginia. He and his wife spent lots of time traveling with their camper, visiting all 48 contiguous states. Francis also sold antique glass and Mosser glass and Boyd Art Glass at flea markets, mainly at the Hazen Flea Market, from the late 1980s to 2005. A private family service will be held in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Susquehannock Trail Club, P.O. Box 643, Coudersport, PA, 16915. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.