Paul Lewis Clark

Paul Lewis Clark, Retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, a devoted patriot and leader, passed away on March 19, 2025, in Leesburg, Virginia, his longtime home. Born on March 9, 1947, in Stratton, Colorado, Paul lived a life of service, patriotism, and devotion to family.

Paul was the oldest of four children and grew up in Stratton. In his youth he enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and building and racing hotrods. After graduating from Stratton High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Banking and Accounting from Colorado State University and later completed a Master of Business Administration at Syracuse University through the Army Comptroller Program. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the U.S. Army, beginning his military career with an early assignment in Panama, which he often recalled fondly.

For over 20 years, Paul proudly served in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, with distinction. A decorated soldier, he received multiple Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. His distinguished career included key financial and resource management roles, notably as Chief, Programs and Budget, and Staff Finance and Accounting Officer at U.S. Space and Strategic Command in Virginia, Assistant Chief of Staff, Resource Management, and Director of Resources at Joint Special Operations Command in North Carolina, Commander of the 8th Finance Support Unit in Baumholder, Germany, and Primary Advisor to the Commandant for Operational Plans and Resource Programs at the Defense Intelligence College in the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. His leadership across various posts in the U.S. and abroad left a lasting impact on his comrades and communities.

In retirement, Paul cherished visiting friends and family as often as he could. He enjoyed remodeling his home with his wife, savoring early breakfasts at local restaurants, and immersing himself in Civil War history, often hiking trails near his Leesburg home. Each Memorial Day and Fourth of July, he took pride in placing American flags on soldiers’ graves at a local cemetery, honoring those who served.

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Heather; his devoted children, Scott, Tonya, and Tamara (Tucker, Carson); his brother, Ken, and his wife, Nancy, (Sean, Lauri); and his sisters, Candi (Britain, Casey) and Bonnie (Jason, Stephanie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Eugene Clark and Ruth Joyce Beck Clark. His warmth and storytelling, shared with friends and family, will be deeply missed.

Paul will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. A graveside service with full military honors will take place at 1:00 p.m. on July 3, 2025. Paul’s legacy of service, love, and patriotism will live on in the hearts of those he touched.