Obituary of Fred Parker Clark

Fred P. Clark (Colonel, USAF, Retired) took his final flight September 7, 2018 after a long fought battle against prostate cancer. Fred was born in Belfast, October 25, 1951, to Charles J. Clark (Major, USAF, Retired) and Carolyn P. Clark. He was the first of three children. Fred was a graduate of Bellevue High School in Bellevue, Nebraska 1970. He attended the University of Maine, Orono for one year before transfering to the University of Nebraska, Omaha where he obtained a BS in Biology 1974. In 2007 he received his Masters of Aeronautical Science, from Emery-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida. Fred was commissioned in the United States Air Force on May 11, 1974 through the AFROTC program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After completing pilot training he went on to fly various aircraft including an F-4E, OV-10, F-15A/C, F-16A/CJ/CG. He was a command pilot with 3,334 hours in fighter aircraft and 100+ combat hours. Fred was assigned to the Pentagon, Washington D. C as the program Element Monitor for all USAF air-to-air weapons for five years 87'-91'. In 1998 he became the Vice Wing Commander in Aviano AFB, Italy where he flew 25 combat missions during Operation ALLIED FORCE over Kosovo. He was Chief of Safety and became the Director of Operations for the 1st Air Force, Tyndall AFB, Florida where he was instrumental in the initial response by the US following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Fred retired from the Air Force April 30, 2003 after serving 29 years in the service and began working as an F-15 platform instructor and subject matter expert at Tyndall AFB, Panama City Florida for five years followed by operation staff director, 53d Weapons Evaluation Group at Tyndall. Finally retiring in 2015 continuing to make his home in Panama City, Florida. Fred is survived by his high school sweet heart Christine Vangreen, whom he married in 1972 and their two children. David C. Clark and wife Cherie (Major USAF), McKayla C. Howell (Major USAF Reserve, Southwest pilot) and spouse Tyler Howell. Fred and Chris have four wonderful grandchildren, Griffin Clark, Calina Clark, Parker Howell and Paxton Howell. Fred cherished all the time spent with them. He is also survived by his mother Carolyn P. Clark, sister Beth C. Lockhart and husband Wallace, brother Scott Clark and wife Maureen, very special nephews Thomas, Adam and Kurt, great niece, Cora and great nephews, Aubrey and Landon. He also had many cousins with one especially wonderful cousin, Jan Hanson. At Fred's request there will be no service. A memorial will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the Hospice Unit at Waldo County General Hospital for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, well wishers are asked to donate to Waldo County General Hospital Hospice, by making checks out to WCGH-Hospice and mail to: Development Office WCGH PO Box 287 Belfast, Maine 04915.