Daniel Thomas Clark

He is survived by his wife of 42 yrs, Marian (Mari) Wellman Clark; son, Michael T. Clark (Emily) and grandchildren, Lilly, Codie, Rachel, Colton, Brandon all of New Bern; daughter, Michelle Arroyo (Robert) and grandchildren, Gerrick and Madison of Winterville; siblings, Dave Clark of Belleville, MI, Doug Clark of Manchester, MI, Dana Clark of Fountain Inn, SC, and Deanna Belue of Manchester, MI; Brother-in-law, Chuck Wellman of Lancaster, Ohio; sister-in-law, Linda Wycuff; Brother-in-law, Dave Wycuff of Grove City, Ohio; Nieces, Kristina Crane of Florida, Mandie Davis (Chris) of Johnstown, Ohio, and Megan Wycuff of Columbus, Ohio; Nephews, Glenn "Buddy" Wellman (Amber) of Portland TN, Kyle Clark of Fountain Inn, SC, Randy Belue of Michigan, and Zachary Wycuff of Cincinnati, Ohio; aunt-in-law, Mary E. Blake of Columbus, OH; special life-long friends, Bridget and John Hendges of Jacksonville, NC; best friends, George and Michele Shaver of Greenville, NC; special friends, Ben and Heather Whaley and grandchildren, River, Alyese, and Brenen of Chocowinity, NC, all who loved their Papa Dan; as well as several cousins and many friends.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Alger T. Clark and Joann M. Clark of Drummond Island, MI; brother, Darrell Clark of Jackson, MI; father-in-law, Lucian G. Wellman, Sr. and mother-in-law, Willie B. Wellman of Columbus, Ohio; and brother-in-law, Glenn "Ace" Wellman of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Dan always felt drawn to service. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served for 8 yrs. After his service to his country, he followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Jules Van De Ginste, and went into law enforcement. He first worked as a police officer in his hometown of Manchester, MI. Wanting the chance to advance in his career, Dan decided to return to the area where he was previously stationed while in the military in North Carolina. He continued his law enforcement career at New Bern Police Department, where he served on different boards such as LEAP and gang intervention, among others. An injury in November 1988 ended his dream of being a law enforcement officer, but not his desire to serve. He started out by being a volunteer coach at New Bern High School where his son was attending. His love and enjoyment of motorcycles led him to become a charter member of the Blue Knights NCI law enforcement motorcycle organization, serving in many positions there as well. He was also a charter member of Tri County Lodge #52 Fraternal Order of Police, where he served in many positions, working his way up to a state officer. His passion for law enforcement motivated him to advocate for the Law Enforcement Memorial sign at the Glenburnie overpass and the Law Enforcement Fallen Officers Memorial that sits at the New Bern Police Department. Not forgetting his ties to the military, he became a member of the New Bern chapter of the DAV working his way up to commander. As his health declined, his love for the military and law enforcement did not. He supported each organization as best he could, attending memorial services, visiting military bases and law enforcement memorials, and contributing monetarily.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Home.

A service to remember and celebrate Dan's life will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Cotten Funeral Chapel with Pastors Mike Scott and Rex Bennett officiating.

The family wishes to express their humble gratitude to the oncology department at ECU Health System, Dr. Vijay Chaudhary and associates; Community Home Care & Hospice, Treva Bright, RN, and colleagues.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.