Retired Texas Ranger Captain Newton W. Clark passed peacefully from this life on December 31, 2014, in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, at the age of 88.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2015 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Terry Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

'Dub', as he was known to all who knew him, was born January 3, 1926 in Center, Texas. Dub Clark was raised in the Antioch and James communities of Shelby County during the Great Depression. At age 16, he enrolled in what is now Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas where he had received a scholarship to play football. In 1944, when Sam Houston State University suspended their athletic programs, he joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably in Europe and the Far East until after war's end.

Dub Clark answered his life's calling when he began his career in law enforcement in 1950. He graduated from Texas Highway Patrol Class #16 that year and was assigned to work in Crockett, Texas. He remained there until he was transferred to his home town of Center, Texas, where he and his partner, Russell Vineyard, served the citizens of Shelby, San Augustine, and Sabine Counties for twelve years.

In 1962, he was promoted and assigned to Texas Rangers, 'Co. A' and stationed in San Augustine, Texas. In his capacity as Texas Ranger, he proudly served the citizens of San Augustine, Shelby, and Sabine Counties, and other localities as needed. He was promoted to Texas Ranger, Sergeant, and transferred to DPS Headquarters in 1974, where he served as Assistant Chief of Criminal Law Enforcement. He was later promoted to Captain, Texas Rangers, and assigned as the first Commander of the DPS Office of Internal Affairs.

Throughout his law enforcement career, Dub Clark was known for his integrity, forthrightness, and compassion. He took great pride in mentoring young men who followed his example in entering the field of law enforcement. He always strove to instill in them the realization that their profession was a high calling which carried a sacred trust never to be violated.

As a criminal investigator, he was unsurpassed. As a peace officer serving his State and his community, he always exhibited the highest degree of moral character, integrity, and friendliness to those whom he met.

Dub Clark was a member of the Church of Christ and served as an elder and song leader for many years. Over the years, Dub Clark taught many young men how to lead singing.

Dub Clark is predeceased by his parents, Wright Eugene 'Jack' and Gertrude Dean Clark, sister Lavern Fields, and wife of 31 years, Billie Marie Clark.

Dub Clark is survived by his wife, Mary Kay Clark, of Austin, Texas, sons Steve Clark and wife Helen, of Whitehouse, Texas, Bill Clark and wife Melinda, of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, and Jimmy Clark and wife Sue, of Milam, Texas. He is also survived by stepchildren Paul 'Gil' Gowing and wife Karen, of Clermont, Florida, John 'Tiger' Gowing and wife Jennifer, of Sachse, Texas, and Meredith Gowing Kimbrough and husband Scott, of Round Rock, Texas. He cherished and was immensely proud of all fourteen of his grandchildren: Jason Clark of Alpharetta, Georgia, Amy Cohen, and husband Mark, of Keller, Texas, Daniel and Judith Clark of Whitehouse, Texas, Katy Newbold and husband, Craig, of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, Connie Barron and husband Brandon, of Hawkins, Texas, Brady Clark and wife Abra, of Huntsville, Texas, Matt Clark of Kyle, Texas, Stacy Clark of San Augustine, Texas, Tanner, Tyler, and Trey Gowing of Sachse, Texas, and Cassidy and Cooper Kimbrough of Round Rock, Texas. He also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Danny Young, Travis Brasil, David Noble, Tom Maddox, Maxie Eaves and Larry Williford. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Clark, Matt Clark, Brady Clark and Daniel Clark.