Clark Otis Co Smith

"Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people"Clark Otis Smith, 91, a long-time resident of Newark Valley lived by these words. C.O. passed from this life on June 1, 2016 leaving his beloved family of 'shakers and doers' as he referred to them and his friends from all over, with beautiful memories and many lessons of life. Born in Fillmore, NY on Sept. 8, 1924, Clark was a son of Otis C. and Mildred (Hussong) Smith. He is survived by his children: Kim (Devie) Smith, Lani Heckert, Todd Smith, Kelly Smith and Scott (Christine) Smith, his brother David (Rosemary) Smith and his beloved grandchildren: Lara and Aleksander, Karleen 'Karly' and Benjamin, Otis, Katarina, Martin, Lukas and Sophia; his former wife, Josie Smith and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving companion Claire Schwartz. As a proud Veteran of WW II, Clark served in the USMC in Okinawa and China. He was a graduate of Alfred State College and had a very successful career with IBM spanning 44 years as a field engineer, customer engineer and systems writer, working in HI, OH, PA and NY. Clark loved to teach and build and could fix anything from computers to old farm machinery. He was a relentless worker and ever civic minded. A Charter Member of the Newark Valley Historical Society, he was instrumental in the restoration of the Bement-Billings Farmstead Museum, a 'fixture' at the Annual Apple Festival alongside his antique cider press and an ever present builder and repairman at the Newark Valley Depot. Clark's family will receive friends at the MacPherson Funeral Home, 5 Whig St. Newark Valley on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Newark Valley at 12 noon on Tuesday. Following the service, Full Military Honors will be accorded. Burial will be at 1 pm on Wed. in the family plot, Short Tract Cemetery, Town of Granger. In Lieu of flowers, kindly consider directing any memorials to the Restoration Fund for the Newark Valley Depot, PO Box 222, Newark Valley, NY 13811Memories may also be shared in Clarks guestbook at macphersonfh.com Visitation MacPherson Funeral Home Monday, June 06, 2016 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM 5 Whig St Newark Valley, New York 13811 Directions Funeral Service First United Methodist Church Tuesday, June 07, 2016 12:00 PM Main St Newark Valley, NY 13811 Directions