Gary Gene Clark, 81, of Hutchinson, Kansas, died September 6, 2025, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center and was carried into the arms of his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. He was born June 7, 1944, in Miami, Oklahoma, to Harold and Juanita Clark, and moved to Hutchinson at five years old.
Gary married Janice (Wray) Clark August 23, 1964. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1963 and worked for Boeing Aircraft Co. from 1966 to 1970. At age 22, Gary received compensation for suggestions that were implemented by Boeing and became the company’s youngest supervisor. While attending Wichita State University, he had the opportunity to move to Washington state to continue working for Boeing until 1974.
An innovator in specialty chemicals and lubricants, Gary founded Petron Plus in 1978 and continued to sell his products internationally to the automotive and industrial markets today.
Gary and Jan enjoyed traveling across the States and internationally, collecting oil cans, filming all family and lifetime memory events, such as games, weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties, school events, graduation, or any reason to gather. Known as the “camera man” and the “candy man,” Gary was there to capture the moment and offer a sweet treat. He created memory books for each member of the family and gave to them each Christmas – a treasured gift all hold dear.
Gary was a member of Inspire Church, where he served on the Board of Directors and as greeters with Jan for 35 years. He cherished the 47 years he spent flipping pancakes with his father-in-law, Bernie Wray, for the Methodist Church at the Kansas State Fair and the trophies he won for the Hutchinson Chili Cook-Off. Gary served on the Reno County Planning Board for 11 years, the Reno County Energy Council for 3 years, the Joint South Hutchinson Reno County Sub-Division Board for 8 years, and the Central Christian School Businessman Committee for 2 years. Gary filmed events at Central Christian School for 40 plus years, served 6 years in the Kansas and Washington State National Guard, was a member of the Association of Iron & Steel Engineers, and he was nominated for Kansas Exporter of the Year in 2023.
Gary was preceded in death by: his mother, Juanita Leiker (Bill Leiker); father Harold Clark (Lena Clark); stepbrother, Cary Clark; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernie and Lorena Wray; and brother-in-law Gary Wray.
He is survived by: his loving wife, Janice Clark; children, Annette (Craig) Engweiler, Shawn (Shelly) Clark, and Adam (Angela) Clark; grandchildren, Tanner (Layne) Engweiler, Katlyn (Zachary) Keen, Macy (Jaziel) Guerrero, Chase (Adrienne) Clark, Chance (Leah) Clark, and Ashlynn, Hudson, and Tucker Clark; great-grandchildren, Reena and Aero Engweiler, Mila Clark, Coy and Andi Keen, Corbin, Leti, and Mila Guerrero; sister, Bonnie Haney; brothers, Ron Clark, Paul Willbanks, and Ken and Carmen Clark; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Joan) Wray, Greg (Deegie) Wray, and Clifford (Jan) Wray; and sisters-in-law, Judy (Al) Snyder and Cindy (Gary) Jacques, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at Inspire Church, 4290 N. Monroe St., Hutchinson, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Kansas Army National Guard Honor Guard.
The service will be livestreamed for individuals who may not be able to attend but would like to view the service. Click here to view the service
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with the family present to receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 11, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Central Christian School, in Hutchinson, or Inspire Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.