Dr. Porter James Clark

Dr. Porter James Clark, a lifelong resident of Independence, Kansas, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of July 17th, 2025, at the age of 95. Porter was born on March 6th, 1930, to Dr. Porter M. Clark and Parthenia (Dillman) Clark in Galena, Kansas. He attended school in Independence, Kansas, and was a 1948 graduate from Independence High school. After graduation, he attended the University of Kansas until his enlistment to service during the Korean War with the United States Air Force. He enlisted during his Christmas vacation in 1950. He served in the Air Force for four years. He completed aircraft and engine school and then B-47 Specialist School at Sheppard Air Force base in Texas. He graduated from Specialist School and was promoted before he was sent to MacDill Air Force Base at Tampa, Florida, in October of 1951. He rapidly rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and to the position of Crew Chief on one of the Air Forces new jet bombers. (The B-47). He was soon placed on flying status so he could fly with his crew to bases where no mechanics had proper security clearance to service his aircraft. His Bomber Wing was part of The Strategic Air Command. It was assigned as one of the first two B-47 Bomb Wings in the Air Force to join General Curtis LeMay’s 24/7 airborne nuclear deterrent effort. These bombers caused Russia much concern. They were the first six engine, high-speed, high-altitude jet bombers in the world, built specifically for carrying a nuclear weapon. These aircraft were a major threat to Russia along with the B-36. The Russians at that time had no adequate defense against either of them. The B-36 was already performing the 24/7 service when Porter went overseas. Significant overseas bases where Porter served were Goose Bay Labrodor, Brize Norton Air Force Base in England, and Sidi Slimane Air Force Base in French Morocco. During his overseas assignments, there were squadron members flown there in advance to help with necessary inspections and maintenance. Four months prior to the completion of his service, Porter was picked as one of two Crew Chiefs assigned to Boeing Wichita to inspect and receive new B-47’s for his base in Florida. He completed his enlistment at Boeing in December of 1954.

After his service, Porter re-enrolled at Kansas University in the spring of 1955 and graduated with honors in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Boeing until he was accepted into dental school in December of 1959. He graduated with honors, once again, first in his class, from The University of Missouri at Kansas City in 1964 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and established his practice in Independence after graduation. He opened his office in July of 1964 and practiced until his retirement in 2011 at the young age of 81. He served his profession in many capacities, including Secretary of the Southeast Kansas Dental District for several years, a delegate to the Kansas State Dental Association for many years, and while a delegate, he served on and was chairman of several state association committees. He also served as President for the Academy of General Dentistry.

Porter was an avid fisherman and hunter. He especially enjoyed his time fishing and hunting with his dad, whenever it was possible, for over thirty-five years. Both men loved the outdoors. The only seasons they missed together during that time was when Porter was overseas and his dad became disabled. While in the service, Porter would take his furloughs during quail season or during the pre-spawn when bass fishing was expected to be at its best. His dad always would take the time from his busy medical practice to participate in these special times with Porter and they both enjoyed it very much.

Porter is survived by his wife and best friend, Sharlene Sue (aka Suzie) of the home. His daughter, Sabrina (Gary) Overfield; his son, C.D. (Robin) Siliceo. Grandchildren, Tyler (April) Bridwell; Jesse (Caylin) Overfield. Great grandchildren Brynlee, Bennett, Adilyn, Paxton, and Briar. His nephew, Jan (Mallory) Stryker and their children, Emily (Jay) Kordonowy and family, Anna (Clayton) Osburn and family. His niece, Melissa Clausen and her son, William; Cousin Robert (Betty) Dillman; Cousin Brian (Gwen) Dillman and family. Three children from a previous marriage; Angelyn (Stephen) Nicholson, Justin, and Jennifer (Tim) Christensen and grandchildren Abigail (Scott) Shepherd; Jonas Clark.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Mibs and Jane Stryker and his brother Jack. His uncle and aunt Dr. Ted and Lucille Dillman, and his cousins, Bruce and Sue Dillman.

At Porter’s request, he has been cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held on August 2nd at the Independence Gun Club at 1:00pm. Friends and family are encouraged to attend to come celebrate this wonderful man with a delicious barbeque and fellowship.