John Mark Clark, age 66, lifelong resident of Clarksville, TN, died February 2, 2022 in Homestead, Florida.
Clark, who goes by his middle name “Mark,” was born in Clarksville, TN March 28, 1955, to the late Robert Ewing and Junera Wakefield Clark. Mark is preceded in death by brother, Robert Wakefield Clark. He is survived by his brother, Fred Clark (Donna); aunt, Mary Kathryn Wakefield; sister-in-law, Mary Cook Clark; nieces, Angela Nicole Clark and Meredith Clark McCord (Clay); and a host of cousins and long-time friends.
The son of antique dealers, Mark discovered his own passion for collecting at age six, proudly brokering his collections of Goofus glass at age 8, Case pocket knives at age 10, and German Grandfather clocks at age 13.
In the early 1970s , Clark joined his family’s retail furniture business, New Providence Furniture Co., opening several locations of waterbed stores. As his fascination with artifacts deepened, Mark truly became a serious collector in 1978, building the base of a world-class collection of rare arrowheads and relics. Leaving the family business in the early 1990s, he began a full-time career in the antiquities business, becoming an acknowledged expert in prehistoric American artifacts with an impeccable reputation as a dealer. Clark provided tremendous knowledge of the subject drawn from his vast experience as a collector. He proudly served as an officer for many years with several collector societies to include: President of the Central States Archaeological Society, Board of Directors of the Genuine Indian Relic Society for over 15 years and a life-long member of the Montgomery County Historical Society. Mark was also head of Morphy’s Auction Prehistoric American Artifacts division.
Mark loved traveling the world, meeting new people, and living life to the fullest., He was always bartering and brokering everywhere he went. The Clark family is very appreciative of all the kind words expressed by his friends. His brilliant mind and witty personality will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held on Saturday March 12, 2022 from 1pm-4pm on Freedom Point at Liberty Park. 250 Marina Way, Clarksville, TN 37040. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Montgomery County Historical Society PO Box 262 Clarksville, TN 37041-0262