Clark Carter

Mr. Clark Carter was born May 9, 1928 in Learned, Mississippi.  He was number five of ten kids born to the late Mary Jane Miles.  The family lived on a black owned plantation; the owner allowed them to stay after they were free.  At a young age he was baptized at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church and attended public school in the Hinds County school district.  Mr. Carter was truly blessed with a long life, his generation experienced advancements in technology from horse and buggy to rockets exploring outer space.  When Clark was of age he moved to Jackson, Mississippi with his beloved sister Idester, to work at a meat packing company.  There in Jackson he met the love of his life Dorothy Davis and they were married on January 6, 1951.  The Carters started their own family bringing five beautiful children into this world:  Katie, Clark Jr., Kinnard, David and Kathleen.

In 1955 Clark moved his family to Denver, Colorado to provide better opportunities for his family.  Shortly after arriving, he quickly obtained employment securing positions at Daniels and Fisher, Denver Dry Goods, and Star Service Station later known as Sinclair Oil Company.  His intense work ethic and need to support his family commonly resulted in holding more than one job at a time.  Eventually Clark took a leap of faith and purchased several semi-trucks to start his own trucking company and later he joined the City and County of Denver, from which he retired from in 1990.  Affectionately known as “C.C.”, Mr. Carter proudly paved the way for generations to come, by being the first black man to obtain a position within these companies, creating opportunities for others.  Although busy providing for his family, he found time to create fond memories with them.  His children remember paydays, splurging on fried shrimp and going to get $.18 hamburgers from the new McDonald’s in the neighborhood.  After retirement Clark was still full of life and started volunteering at The Salvation Army Denver Red Shield.  This is when he became the neighborhood “Papa”.  He took on the job of after school snack provider and transporter for his grandchildren who have fun memories of him piling them all in the back of the “Jimmy” and going on excursions to include going to Pueblo for the State Fair or City Park to collect pop cans.  Clark was one of the first of three black men who raced cars here in Denver.  He had an affinity for cars and motorcycles.  Some of his favorites were:  1957 Chevy Belaire, 1964 Chevy Impala, 1967 El Camino and 2003 Hummer H2.  Clark and Dorothy purchased their first home on 3216 Vine Street in the Cole neighborhood Historic District in Denver.  This is the home where they raised all their children and created lifelong memories for four generations.

Clark Carter departed this life peacefully surrounded by his family on May 15, 2022, in Denver, CO.  He leaves to cherish his memories: One Daughter Katie Shaw and three Sons Clark Carter Jr. (Lil Brother), Kinnard Carter and David Carter.  Two son-in-laws, John Shaw and Michael Porter and one daughter-in-law, Karyn Carter. One sister Nettie Ruth McPhearson (Baby Sis).  Four granddaughters, Natalie Simpson, Danielle Carter (Danny Girl), Christal Porter (Tic Tac) and Shaquita Carter.  Eight grandsons Rodrick Carter,  David Rodriguez, Jamin Simpson, Terrance Carter, Justin Carter, Quinn Carter, Michael Porter, Aicemaj Carter and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Those of note that have gone on before him are his Mama Jane,  Keri Carter, Idester Collins,  Kathleen Porter, and Dorothy Carter.