Walter J. Clark, 82, of Prairie City, died May 7, 2008 at his residence. A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Grace Chapel in Prairie City, with Rev. Darrell Johnson officiating. Interment was at Prairie City Cemetery.

He was born April 26, 1926, in Huntington, to Walter S. and Ruth M. (Carpenter) Clark.

He joined the United States Army and served two years as a specialist third class. In 1966, he married Lavera Sheppard-Fritts in Caldwell, Idaho.

He was a cowboy and enjoyed ropings, brandings, drinking coffee and tea, and sharing stories with the boys. He also wrote poetry and carved wood. He was an all-around ranch hand.

Mr. Clark was preceded in death by his three brothers, three sisters, one son, one daughter and one grandaughter. Survivors include his wife, Lavera Clark of Prairie City; daughters, Viola Fisher of Ontario and Leona Dotson of Oakville, Wash.; sons, Wade Clark of Tennessee, Carl Sheppard of Prairie City, Randy Sheppard of Elma, Wash. and Roy Sheppard of Nyssa; twenty grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Mountain Hospice through Driskill Memorial Chapel, 241 S. Canyon Blvd., John Day, OR 97845.