"Un seul être vous manque et tout est dépeuplé" Clark was my mentor in the mid-2000s at Parkway West Middle School. He was a caring and supportive mentor, and I am sorry to hear of his passing. I'm sure many students will carry good memories of learning French in his classes. My condolences to the family. May his memory be a blessing. 

My children and I are so sorry to hear of Mr. Willet’s passing.  My son and daughter were both fortunate to have him for French in junior high ‘94 and middle school ‘03 respectively. They adored him, he was a wonderful teacher.  Very special  to learn of his roots in Kentucky, my paternal grandfather’s family settled in Paducah and I don’t doubt the families would have known one another, wonderful to learn of  the connection. Rest In Peace. 


So many wonderful memories of my "little" brother, esp. sharing his love of the outdoors and capturing it with his camera. I will never forget his excitement in seeing Mt Rainier from the balcony of my apartment in Tacoma. Of course we had to drive up there, and every time we rounded a bend or caught a good view of it, Clark had to stop to take a picture. We finally told him we would never get there at that rate! His photos were awesome, and I appreciated his tips on how to improve mine.  His acknowledgement when I had taken good shot was even more appreciated.  
Peace, Clark, and peace to all who love you!

I am so sorry to hear of Clark's passing. I will always remember the passion he brought to the classroom and the clear connection he made with students and other teachers. I did not get to see much of his photography, but am so happy that he found time to explore a second passion in retirement. He will certainly be missed by so many. I am thinking of all of his family and friends and hoping that you are drawing strength from your memories. Sending warm thoughts your way.     



I was a student in M. Willett's French class at Parkway West Junior High back in the 90s.  He made his Buche de Noel for his classes each year, and I still remember how good it was.  I was reminiscing about it with my family just this past Christmas.  That was such a special thing for him to do for a bunch of middle school kids.  He was a great teacher.  My condolences to your whole family.

I remember when I was a little kid being in Paducah for a reunion. When it was time to fly back to Seattle, I was sad or scared and started to throw a fit. There was no way I was walking out my grandparents front door. Uncle Clark got out his guitar and started to play “leaving on a jet plane “.  I felt so much better, we said our goodbyes and left.  I’ll miss the warmth and joy he brought every time I saw him. 

Dear Judy and family,
I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Clark. He was an esteemed colleague and my daughter Erica benefitted from his instruction at Parkway West Middle. I always enjoyed catching up with you both at the Queeny Park Art Fairs. Clark's talent as a nature photographer was so obvious. My deepest sympathy to you.

Dear Judy and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I will always remember Clark’s winning smile and friendly personality.  When Clark carved cream puffs into swans, I was always in awe -it was truly amazing.
I know you have many happy memories that will live on forever in your heart 
Barbara Passanise

Judy,
I was so sorry to learn of Clark's passing.  He was a  wonderful colleague and friend and I will always remember his bright smile and witty dry sense of humor.   Many years ago he shared his recipe for quiche (which has become "Clark's Quiche" in my recipe file) and which has become the feature breakfast dish whenever our grandkids visit.  You and your family will be in my prayers.


It was my pleasure to work with Clark at West Middle.  I especially enjoyed the opportunities I had to observe him with his students. A particularly fond memory is recalling his tradition of leading his students through the hallways singing traditional French Christmas carols. 
May Judy and Clark’s family continue to cherish good memories of a life well lived. 

God Bless Mr. Willett's soul! He was a great guy! Loved what he brought to Gibault! He'd accompany us to TEC retreats and reunions. He was always upbeat! Loved his smile! Sorry for your loss. Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Judy, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved, Clark. He was one of my favorite people to converse with and listen to his French melodies. May he Rest In Peace. 
I also wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Viv Tiemann

I was brand new to the art fair world when Clark stopped doing fairs. They sold me their tent and gave me many things I wouldnt have been able to afford on my own. Without their generosity, I would not be where I am today.  Thank you for your kindness. We are all blessed to have had Clark in our lives, if even for a moment.

Clark was an incredible teacher and even better human being. I took French class in High School at Gibault, and as a struggling 19-year old college kid, I asked if he'd be interested in working at La Bonne Bouchee in Kansas City where I was trying my best to bake and interpret.  At that time, the only French baker we had spoke no English, and it was a joy to work with Clark completely immersed in the language.  Thanks to Clark I developed a lifelong love of language. He told many stories to us and kept us entertained working through the nights, and as the staff grew all came to appreciate his incredible intelligence and warm sense of humor.  

Judy, I met Clark at an Alzheimer's meet up a few years ago, and shared conversation with him.  He shared his expertise with French with me, and chided me a bit at my attempts with the language.  I'll cherish that memory, and consider improving my skills at his recommendation.   What a beautiful series of experiences for you to sustain, revisiting travels in France.

Much love

I had Mr. Willett as my spanish teacher at Gibault.  He was a great teacher and very smart! Loved learning spanish from him! Was wonderful to read the information at this website about his life after Gibault - so very happy that he lived happily! Thank you for sharing!!
Rest in peace, Mr. Willett!
Kris (Linker) Stork - class of 1977

I remember always being so excited when Uncle Clark came "home" to visit, in KY. He was beloved by all us kids. He would arrive with his guitar and sit us on Grandma and Grandpa's living room floor in a circle as he strummed and sang, involving us in as many songs as our attention spans would allow. Later in their back yard, he would engage us in games of ball or tag, teach us to stand on our heads, and especially loved - would tell us stories or jokes. I remember he even showed us a few magic tricks, much to our amazement, and then taught us how to execute said tricks, to our delight. I admired his artistic eye, his ability to spin a tale, his patience, his sense of travel and wonder, and his love. He lives on in my heart still, and now in my stories to my grandchildren.
-Mary Paula (niece)

OBITUARY

Clark Anthony Willett

April 29, 1945 – January 11, 2022

Berger Memorial Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Graveside Service (Also available via Live Stream)

Due to Covid, there will not be a Shiva.