Doug Clark

Ancestors

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Biography

The following text has been copied from Doug Clark's obituary, found at the link cited below:

Prominent businessman and builder Douglas Clark died on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009 in an airplane accident at Daytona International Airport. A 57-year resident of the Daytona area, he was well-known in local aviation, business and social circles for decades. A Memorial Service for Doug will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Port Orange Presbyterian Church, 4662 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange, FL with his son Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Gittner, Pastor, officiating.

He was born in Dekalb, Illinois as the oldest son to James and Florence Clark. He had four younger sisters. Following two years of service in the U.S. Navy and attending Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, he began building homes in Illinois in 1948. In 1952, Doug moved to Ormond Beach with his first wife, Phyllis and two sons, Gregory and David. He began building homes and an oceanfront motel which he owned/operated. It was also during this period that he developed his love of flying, learning to fly a variety of airplanes.

On May 29, 1962 he married Lois E. Clark. Lois has four sons from her first marriage, Chuck, Craig, Cory and Calvin Gittner. In 1964, a fifth son, D. Andrew Clark, was born.

Doug became active in the Daytona Beach Homebuilder's Association and served at Vice-President of the organization in 1964. In 1968, Doug served on the first Planning Commission for the City of Port Orange. In 1965, Doug founded MPC Builders with business partners. MPC Builders developed mobile home parks in Port Orange, Florida, then a town of just 3,000 people. The three partners built several award-winning mobile home communities for thousands of residents. They also built Rose Bay Campground and Commonwealth Plaza, a retail shopping plaza. In 1978, Doug and Robert Powell built Maplewood Self-Storage in 1983 and this became the foundation for All Aboard Storage, now with dozens of locations.

Throughout these years, Doug remained active in flying, often taking his large family on summer vacations to destinations such as the Bahamas and Illinois in small airplanes. He was also active in the local Quiet Birdman club, the Valiant Air Command and the Experimental Aircraft Association. Over the years, he owned several military and acrobatic aircraft. He also kept a strong interest in his first trade, carpentry.

In 1968 he and Lois purchased a home built in 1913 on the river in Port Orange. Doug and his family spent many years remodeling and refurbishing the pioneer home, in which the family still lives. In later years, Doug continued his interest in building and remodeling, adding historic structures to a growing compound around his home, including a 110 year-old wedding chapel, a reception hall, and 1940s-era train car, cottages and fish ponds.

This property, along with the Clark Office Building, show his attention to detail, creative zeal, artistic touch and affection for beautiful architecture. Doug and Lois were also avid travelers, enjoying trips such as around-the-world adventures to flying in their own planes for shorter weekend get-aways. They were active members in the Halifax River Yacht Club and deeply appreciate the many friendships they have made there.

A self-educated man, Doug will always be remembered for his intellect, his calm and thoughtful personality and his witty charm. He had a love of music and art, collected both old and new cars and was generous and kind with his grandchildren. His long legacy of success will live on as will his large and loving family who will always feel his presence and benefit from his wise guidance.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lois; his sons and daughters-in-law; 19 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Port Orange.

On 28 August 2020, his son, Andrew Clark, published an autobiography which includes the events surrounding Doug's death called "Crash & Learn: A True Story of Surviving a Plane Crash and Financial Crisis". ^[1]

Sources

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