Mark Clark of Poplar Bluff, MO Remembered as Man of Faith and Generosity Amid Ongoing Search at Greers Ferry Lake

Greers Ferry Lake, AR — Authorities and volunteers remain steadfast in their search for 66-year-old Mark Clark of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, who went missing following a tragic boating accident at Greers Ferry Lake late last week. As of Friday, Clark had not been located, and rescue teams continued to comb the waters after finding his unmanned boat near the bank, close to a bridge crossing the lake.

Clark, who originally hailed from Flora, Illinois, had been a beloved and familiar face at Devil’s Fork Resort, where he and his family owned a vacation property for more than four decades. The peaceful retreat had long served as a haven for Clark, his wife Terri, and their extended family—a place filled with memories of summers past, laughter shared, and community built.

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, which is leading the investigation and search, reported that initial evidence suggests Clark’s boat may have struck a pylon, likely causing him to be ejected into the deep waters of the lake. The boat was discovered abandoned near the shoreline on Friday morning, raising alarm and prompting an immediate search operation. Terri Clark, his wife, last spoke with him at approximately 11 p.m. on Thursday night. When he did not return or respond to calls, concerns quickly escalated.

Search teams have faced significant challenges, including lake depths reaching 100 feet and underwater debris from a previous bridge structure. Despite these obstacles, dive teams, sonar equipment, and volunteers have continued tirelessly in hopes of bringing closure to the Clark family.

“This kind of tragedy doesn’t just affect one family—it shakes the entire community,” said Steve Carpenter, a close friend of Mark’s and a fellow visitor to the lake. “It hits you hard when it’s someone you’ve known, admired, and shared life with. Mark was more than a neighbor—he was family to many of us.”

Carpenter described Mark Clark as a man of unwavering faith, someone who radiated kindness, humility, and generosity. “Everyone that knew Mark, loved Mark,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “He would give you the shirt off his back. He was the kind of guy who always showed up when someone needed help, without ever asking for anything in return.”

As the search stretched into the weekend, the local community rallied around the grieving Clark family. Residents of the Devil’s Fork Resort and the surrounding area offered meals, resources, and emotional support. Local businesses brought food to search crews and to the Clark family, embodying the very spirit of community that Mark himself championed throughout his life.

Mark Clark is survived by his loving wife, Terri Clark, along with a wide circle of family, friends, and lake neighbors who continue to hope for recovery and peace. His impact on those around him is evident not only in the stories shared but in the outpouring of support from the Greers Ferry Lake region and beyond.

Known for his deep faith, Mark often credited his spiritual beliefs for guiding his life and relationships. Friends recall his devotion to prayer, his respect for nature, and his joyful presence at the lake, whether boating, fishing, or simply spending time with loved ones.

While the search continues, Mark Clark’s legacy already resonates in the lives he touched. In a statement released by the family, they expressed gratitude for the love and support they’ve received: “Mark lived a life of purpose and compassion. We are devastated by his loss but uplifted by the overwhelming kindness shown to us during this time. We know Mark is in God’s hands now.”

Authorities have not given a timeline for when the search may conclude, but they emphasized their commitment to continuing the mission for as long as necessary. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is asking anyone in the area with information or surveillance footage that may assist in the investigation to come forward.

As the waters of Greers Ferry Lake are searched with hopeful determination, a quiet reverence has fallen over the resort community—a reflection of the man who, for decades, called this peaceful corner of Arkansas his second home. And while Mark Clark may be gone from sight, the memory of his generous heart and faithful spirit will endure in the lives of all who knew and loved him.