Judge Russell Clark Memorial

During his lifetime, Judge Clark showed an unparalleled dedication to equality and fairness. He fought to ensure equal opportunities to education while serving as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri from 1977-2000 and served his county as a U.S. Army Lieutenant during World War II.

On a daily basis, Judge Clark demonstrated strength and commitment to both his family, and his community. He was known as a loving husband, father, brother and dedicated friend. Judge Clark was admired by many and left a legacy which will continue on for decades to come.

Education and career

Born in Oregon County, Missouri, Clark was a lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II, from 1944 to 1946, and later received a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law (now the University of Missouri School of Law) in 1952. He was in private practice in Springfield, Missouri from 1952 to 1977.

Federal judicial service

On June 13, 1977, Clark was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri vacated by Judge William H. Becker. Clark was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 1, 1977, and received his commission on July 5, 1977. He served as Chief Judge from 1980 to 1985 and assumed senior status on August 1, 1991. Clark retired completely from the bench on July 31, 2000

Notable case

Clark ordered tax increases to come up with the massive amounts of money he ordered to be spent by the Kansas City school district in the case of Missouri v. Jenkins. Starting with his order “federal judges ordered more than $2 billion in new spending by the school district to encourage desegregation.”

Death

He died on April 17, 2003, in Springfield.