Joplin City Leader Dies

The city of joplin says goodbye to a city leader. Former Joplin mayor and council member Dr. Donald Clark died at the age of 79. And now Mayor Richard Russell has ordered that all flags in the city of Joplin be flown at half stfaff in observance of the death of one of the cities greatest leaders. In an interview with Mayor Russell on Saturday, he said about Clark, "There will be a void in Joplin but he`s left a legacy behind." For the last 36-years, Dr. Clark has served the city with a hand-shake and a smile. "He was a pillar of the community, he loved Joplin and his citizens," Russell said. In his time working with the city Dr. Clark worked tirelessly as a councilman, a mayor, and worked hard volunteering for numerous committees all for the benefit of the people of Joplin. "He had three loves, the city of Joplin, the fire department, and his country," said Russell. Clark was insturmental in the design of the city flag, earning him the title "Father of the Joplin city flag." Just recently to honor his achievements, the Council renamed Joplin`s city hall The Donald E. Clark Public Safety and Justice Center. Dr. Clark lost his life after a long battle with cancer. He was the longest serving council member in city history. He leaves behind two daughters and several grandchildren. Reported by: Courtney Cullor