Donald Frederick Clark, 73, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care, 3500 6th Ave in Des Moines from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. His funeral service will follow the visitation and begin at 3:00 p.m.

Donald was born on November 27, 1952, in Cherokee, Iowa, to James and Vera (Nelson) Clark. He was raised on the Cooper farm in Manson, Iowa, where he attended Manson Northwest High School. A talented athlete, Donald excelled in football and graduated with the Class of 1970.

Following high school, Donald established a painting contracting business specializing in painting grain elevators. He later founded State Wide Siding and Windows, where he helped countless homeowners improve the beauty, comfort, and value of their homes. Donald took tremendous pride in his craftsmanship and dedicated many years to serving his customers before retiring.

Above all else, Donald cherished his family and devoted his life to helping others. He was a loving and supportive father to his daughters Willow and Tanya. For more than 30 years, he served as a foster parent, opening his home and heart to children in need. He was a dedicated member of his bowling league for over two decades, a trusted father figure to many, a passionate advocate for abused women, and a volunteer for the Democratic Party. Known affectionately by many as "Uncle Don," he was always willing to lend a helping hand and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His kindness, generosity, and compassionate spirit touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Willow Clark, Tanya Clark, Alex Clark, Cory Clark, LeQuan Clark, Denise Clark, Dawn Clark, Patricia Clark, and Tasha Clark; grandchildren, Tommy Joe (Sierra) Clark, Joey Walling and David Clark; great-granddaughter, Allison Clark; sisters, Sandy Wilson and Trudy Crouse; nieces and nephews, James Clark, Terry (Jana) Clark, Angela Lincoln, and Tracy Lincoln; along with many additional grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Donald was preceded in death by his foster mother, Mary Cooper; parents, James and Vera Clark; his grandson, Theo Clark; his sisters, Dorothy "Dot" Clark and Mary Lincoln; his brothers, James Clark and Terry Clark; his nephew, Milo Lincoln; his foster children Trisha Higgins, Brian, and Lori; and his lifelong friends, Jimmy Schmidt and Jerry Stephens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Donald's family.

Hendersons Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Donald and his family.