George Norman Clark

Norman Clark, 91, of Meriden, KS was called home to the Lord on September 6, 2026. He was born July 6, 1935 in Topeka KS, the son of William E. and Marie C. (Beuter) Clark.

Norman was a graduate of Seaman High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Physics from Washburn University in 1958, with minors in both Mathematics and Chemistry, and taught mathematics classes at Washburn University for several years. He also served in the Army Reserves. He received his Master of Science in Civil Engineering, with an emphasis on Geotechnical Engineering, from Kansas State University in 1979. Norman worked as a civil engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation for over 40 years and led several task forces at both the state and national levels. As a licensed Professional Engineer with the state of Kansas, his professional memberships included: the American Society of Civil Engineers (life member), the Kansas Engineering Society (life member), Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Mu Epsilon Honorary National Mathematics Society.

Norman grew up in Topeka, the oldest of 4 sons. (Two of his brothers, Robert (Bob) Clark and Jerry Clark preceded him in death.) He spent many hours with relatives in the Meriden area, visiting and helping with farm work. Norman married the love of his life, Barbara K. Hodges on July 30, 1961. She preceded him in death on December 15, 2018. Together, they raised 2 children, Tamara and David. Norman enjoyed woodworking, electronics and gardening. He was an avid sailing enthusiast and served as captain of three boat charters in the Caribbean. He and Barbara were members of Perry Yacht Club and the local chapter of the USCG Auxiliary. After he retired, Norman drove the Washburn Mobile Health Clinic van for the first 8 years of its implementation. Because Barbara was a Washburn faculty member and involved with the purchase of the van, Norman used his own expertise to help develop policies and procedures for its use. Additionally, one of their biggest joys was traveling to the mountains of Colorado where the family spent many summer vacations. Camping accommodations for these trips began with a tent and a carload of equipment and eventually elevated to a large, plush motor home which Norman drove well into his later years.

Norman cherished his family deeply. He had an unwavering work ethic and sense of responsibility, and an ability to do most anything he set his mind to do, to the benefit of those around him. Anyone who knew him would agree that he had a dry but wicked sense of humor and that he was the most meticulous person they had ever met.

He is survived by his daughter Tamara (Tim) Barney, son David Clark, grandsons Jordan (Morgan) Barney and Brett (Madi-fiancé) Barney, 2 great-grandchildren, brother Larry “Gene” Clark and much extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, 10:30 AM, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, KS 66604.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial contributions be made to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66608, in memory of George N. Clark.