Donald Merritt Clark passed away February 7, 2015 at the age of 90.
Born in Rockland on April 20, 1924, he was the son of Nettie (Smalley) and Merritt Clark.
He was raised in Tenants Harbor, graduated from Tenants Harbor High School in 1942 and enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter.

As a teenager, he fell in love with a beautiful girl “from away”, Anne Louise Thomas. Time, distance and a war could not keep them apart and they were married in 1945 in Providence, Rhode Island.

Don was extremely proud to be a veteran of World War II. He was an Aviation Support Specialist on the destroyer escort USS Cates and a Torpedoman’s Mate on the submarine USS Cabezon, receiving several medals and recognition for his service in the American, European and Asiatic Pacific theatres.

His naval training led him to a career as an aviation equipment specialist for the defense industry, first at Republic Aircraft in New York, and from 1966 – 1986 as a foreman building military helicopters at Sikorsky Aircraft in Connecticut.
In 1990 he and his wife Anne moved back to Tenants Harbor. He often said it was “like he never left.” He became known for the year-round yard sale and lawn mower business he ran out of his shop in the old Barter’s Garage. He was a long-time member of the Tenants Harbor
Oddfellows and the American Legion. After Anne’s death in 2004 he re-united with a high school classmate, Elizabeth Ames, with whom he spent many happy years travelling and attending church and community events.

He and Elizabeth became known as the local historians in town, often asked to share stories of the past with other community members.Don had an infectious smile, a keen sense of humor, could sell anything to anyone, and played a mean game of “63”. He cared deeply for his family, friends and neighbors and was never happier than when he was helping someone in need.

Don was pre-deceased by his parents, his sister Ruth Imhof, and his beloved wife of fifty-nine years, Anne Clark. He is survived by his children: Peter Clark of Trumbull, Connecticut and Maryanne Vanasse of St. George, Maine; five grandchildren: Christopher Clark, Rebecca Thorn, Brian Clark, James Vanasse and Victoria Vanasse; and three great-grandchildren: Jaxson Clark, Tallulah Thorn and Henry Clark.

A memorial service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Saturday August 15th at 1:00p.m. at the Tenants Harbor Baptist Church with Pastor Bill Hickey officiating. A reception will be held immediately after the service at the Odd Fellows Hall, Tenants Harbor, Maine. Don will be laid to rest privately by the family at the Village Cemetery in Thomaston, Maine where he will recieve military honors.

Donations in his memory may be made to the St. George Ambulance Association,Tenants Harbor, Maine.

You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book Of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com .Hall's of Thomaston is caring for the family.