Floyd "Sonnie" Clark

Floyd "Sonnie" Clark, a revered Command Sergeant Major and beloved family man, went to be with his Heavenly Father on May 17, 2025, at the age of 84. He was born on November 3, 1940, in Peggs Cherokee, Oklahoma, and grew into a remarkable individual whose contributions to both his country and community were immeasurable.                                                                                                                                                               

Command Sergeant Major Clark enlisted in the Army in February 1960 and devoted 31 years to active service, during which he earned a reputation as one of the most distinguished leaders in his field. A proud graduate of Tahlequah High School, he furthered his education at Columbus College in Georgia before embarking on his military career. His rigorous training included becoming an honor graduate from Special Forces training and receiving advanced instruction across various military disciplines, including demolition, mine warfare, and combat operations.

 During his esteemed military service, Command Sergeant Major Clark completed multiple overseas tours, including assignments in Vietnam, Korea, Panama, and Germany. His stateside assignments included duty at prominent posts such as Ft. Riley, KS; Ft. Bragg, NC; and Ft. Carson, CO. He held significant leadership positions, serving as the Command Sergeant Major of several battalions and schools, culminating in his role as the First U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major at Ft. Meade.                                                                                                                                          

Throughout his service, Command Sergeant Major Clark was recognized with numerous honors and decorations, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, among others. His dedication to his country and fellow soldiers exemplified the highest ideals of military service.                                                                                                        

Beyond his military accomplishments, Command Sergeant Major Clark was a military world champion calf roper and steer roper, and a member of the Tarkington Prairie Masonic Lodge #498.  He cherished the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and, notably, any activity related to horses. His passion for these pursuits brought joy to his life and those around him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

On a personal level, Command Sergeant Major Clark was a devoted husband to Elizabeth Ann Clark, with whom he shared 47 loving years of marriage. Together, they raised two sons, John Dean Clark and his wife Kate, and Mark Allen Smithheart and his wife Penny. He took immense pride in his grandchildren, John Clark, Jr., Tristan Clark, Kayden Clark, Kevin Ellender, Jr., and Kayla Nolte, and her husband Bruce, was a loving great-grandfather to Camden Nolte and Waylon Nolte.                                                                                                                                                       

Floyd "Sonnie" Clark was preceded in death by his father, John Clark, mother, Zola Elizabeth Gaggins, son, Floyd Dean Clark, Jr., and sister, Laura Mae Warren.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

His legacy of leadership, love, and dedication to family and country will forever be cherished by his wife, sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of friends and family who had the privilege of knowing him.