VERGENNES — Donald Briggs Clark Sr., 88, passed away peacefully Monday, May 23, 2022, at his home in Vergennes, surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 25, 1933, in Addison, the son of Archie and Catherine (Briggs) Clark. He married his wife, Theresa Russell, on Nov. 7, 1953, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Vergennes.

Donald was a member of Vergennes Fire Department and Addison County Fire Fighters Association, where he served as a trainer and a past president. He was a member of the American Legion Post 14 in Vergennes, served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict, and was honorably discharged. He served on the Vergennes/Panton Water District Board, and was member of Fraternal Order of Eagles. 

Donald was a charter member of Vermont Tractor Pullers Association, and a sled and scale operator for many years at Addison County Fair & Field Days. He was the superintendent of Prospect Cemetery for 40 years. Donald operated Clark Nursing Home for 50 years with his wife, Theresa and dispatched through the nursing home for Vergennes Area Rescue Squad and the Vergennes Fire Department for 30 years.

His hobbies were camping, fishing, playing softball in his younger years, attending tractor pulls, working in his shop and enjoying his coffee by the pellet stove.

Donald is survived by his wife of 68 years, Theresa; his children Donna Desjardin (Dave) of Vergennes, Tim (Sue) Clark of Vergennes, and Donald Clark, Jr. of Addison; his grandchildren, Heather Desjardin, Heidi Stearns (Dan), Katherine Desjardin, Elizabeth Clark (Bruce), Grady Clark (Taylor) and Allie Clark; his great-grandchildren, Zachary, Jacob, Garrett, Caleb, Jace, Ava, Addie, Anderson, Zakery, Aiden, and Thomas; his great-great-grandchild Kinsley; his sisters Mary Jerome (Donald), Nancy Vaughn (Bob); brothers Howard Clark and Alan (Jean) Clark; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; a son, Thomas; son-in-law Walter (Pudgie) Desjardin; and two sisters, Barbara Cardany and Kay Jimmo. 

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Vergennes Fire Station, 50 North Green St., Vergennes. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, at Brown-McClay Funeral Home, 48 South Maple St., Vergennes. Interment will be at Prospect Cemetery in Vergennes. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Steven’s Hose Company, PO Box 224, Vergennes, VT 05491. To send online condolences to his family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com. ◊