Eugene C. "Gene" Clark, Sr. 78 of Monticello, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the Monticello Assisted Living and Health Care Center surrounded by his loving family.

Gene was born on Tuesday, December 30, 1947, in Wolcott, Indiana to Orville C. and Margie P. (Marohl) Clark. They both preceded him in death.

On Saturday, December 11, 1993, in the Methodist Church in Monticello, Indiana, he married Sara Jeane Teegarden. She preceded him in death on Wednesday April 1, 2026.

Gene was born and raised in Remington, Indiana.  He was a 1965 graduate of the Remington High School.  Gene moved to the Monticello area in 1966 and had worked at Barney's Service Center, Dye Lumber Company of Wolcott, Indiana, and the Old RCA plant of Monticello, Indiana prior to getting hired onto the Monticello Police Department. Gene was hired in 1969 beginning his life career.  He attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Class 11 in Bloomington, Indiana. Gene was an officer from 1969 until his retirement in 2000 and was of the first K9 handlers for the Monticello Police Department.  He held the rank of Captain until becoming Chief in January of 1984. Gene also enjoyed working for Pine View Golf Course mowing fairways and working with Ed Brothers Plumbing for several years.  Gene had mowed the I.O.O.F. Riverview Cemetery for many many years, and also owned and operated Clark's plumbing and Clark's mowing until he was unable. Gene loved hunting especially bird and waterfowl and was an avid golfer.  He collected tools most all of his life.  Gene could always be found maintaining and up keeping his own yard. Gene enjoyed traveling and went to Georgia almost every year to visit family and friends. He was known for going with all the guys on golf trips and had golfed in many different states. He will always be remembered as "Old Blue Hair" by his buddies.  Most of all Gene was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. 

Gene is survived by his children, Shelley Clark, Tammy Clark, Patrick (wife Heather) Clark, Genia (husband David) Owens, and Gene (wife Rebecca) Clark, Jr.,  and Kathryn Clark; grandchildren, Travis (wife Megan) Clark, Andy Clark, Camilla Collier, Tori (husband Shane) Pangle, Collin Downs, Teag (wife Breanna) Robbins, Reis Clark, Cole Downs, Kennedy Clark, and Willow Clark; several great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley (husband Dennis) Puterbaugh; nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Orville C. and Margie P. Clark; wife, Sara J. Clark; son, Mark Anthony Clark; granddaughter, Tarin Robbins; brothers, Gerald L. Clark and Richard Marohl.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Deibels Funeral Home of Monticello, Indiana.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 23,2026, at Deibels Funeral Home of Monticello, Indiana, with Elder Jay Janke officiating.

Burial will be on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the I.O.O.F. Riverview Cemetery of rural Monticello, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to FOP 123. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or can be mailed to P.O. Box 356 Monticello, IN 47960, in memory of Gene Clark.

Deibels Funeral Home is honored and blessed to be assisting the family; memories, messages, and photos of condolences can be made at www.deiblesfh.com