Colonel Harry "Dean" H. Clark Jr.

Colonel Harry H. Clark Jr. 91 of Bedford died on Wednesday April 29, 2020 at James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona. He was born on September 26, 1928, in Reedsville, WV, a son of the late Harry H. Clark Sr. and Mabel E. (Mayfield) Clark. He is survived by his three children, and his companion of more than 20 years Pinky Newberry and her family.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Clark Evans and surviving are her children: Randy, Sandy, and Kim.

Colonel was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.  He spent most of his life serving his country.  He dropped out of high school at the age of 17 and joined the Merchant Marines shipping supplies to France visiting the ports of Rouen, Brest, and Le Havre during WWII.  He then enlisted in the Army as soon as he was old enough even though it still required his father’s permission. After being wounded in Korea, he left the military to pursue his education.  He graduated from college in Morgantown, WV, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.  He then soon reenlisted in the Army.  He retired after more than 30 years of service in the United States Army as a Colonel and received various medals during his career that included the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.   During his military service, he completed his education, with a PhD in International Relations.  He retired and relocated to Bedford and became active in local organizations.  For the last twenty years, he has been a tireless officer in the Military Order of the Purple Heart at both, the local and state levels assisting countless veterans and surviving spouses in obtaining their due benefits.  A special thanks from the family to all the staff on 6CLC at the VA Hospital.

Funeral services will be private. Burial will be held at Bedford County Memorial Park with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard. Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.   Those wishing may make memorial contributions in Colonel Clarks’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church, 106 West Penn Street, Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.