Olen O. Clark

Olen O. Clark, 88, passed away in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He was born on August 16, 1937, in Drumright, Oklahoma, to Oscar and Laura Clark.

Olen Clark loved his fellow man. His life was filled with helping others whenever possible. Olen lived by this creed: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This is the man we lost last Sunday.

Olen was the first in his family to attend college, graduating with a master’s degree in business administration from McNeese State University in 1961. While attending McNeese, Olen lettered in football in 1957, 1958, and 1959. Olen was chosen "Most Valuable Player" by his teammates in 1959, leading the team in rushing, receiving, punting, punt returns, and kickoff returns on offense, while also leading the team in tackles on defense, a feat no college football player has ever achieved. He often played entire games without leaving the field. In 1959 he was recognized as an "Academic All-American" football player.

Olen began his professional life as a football coach and substitute teacher at Oakdale High School, then spent three years at Welsh High School, where he turned a losing program into perennial winners.

Olen began his business career in Lake Charles at Jay's Carwash. Soon after, he purchased two full-service gas stations, one with Citgo and one with Conoco. Olen moved into the retail boat sales business in 1972, opening National Boat Mart. It was here that Olen began his life of adventure, saltwater fishing in the Gulf of America, and formed many lifelong relationships. Near the end of National Boat Mart's operations, Olen was recognized as the top seller of Glastron boats by the Glastron Boat Company. National Boat Mart sold more Glastron boats than any other dealer in the United States.

After selling National Boat Mart in 1979, Olen dedicated his life to caring for his young son, David, engaging in a professional career that allowed David to be with him every day. During this time, Olen established a professional truck driving academy that gave young men and women in search of the American Dream a chance in life. The latter stages of Olen's professional life were devoted to commercial property, owning and operating two mobile home parks and other commercial lease properties. In all of these business ventures, Olen made lifelong friendships that he continued to foster throughout his life.

When he wasn't working, Olen pursued his passion for saltwater fishing. His life of adventure in the Gulf of America spanned nearly 60 years. During this time, he also became a licensed boat captain.

Olen dedicated his life to helping many people, some of them complete strangers. Even as death approached, he never let go of his desire to help others. Olen will be remembered most for his self-sacrifice for the benefit of others. His loss is felt deeply in our hearts and souls.

And finally, most precious to him was his beloved Glemilda, whom he cherished through 23 years of marriage. Olen often professed to those close to him how much "Glemi" meant to him and how deeply he loved her. As he often said, the final chapters of his life were, "...with his true love."

Those left to cherish his memory are, his beloved wife, Glemilda Solano Clark; his sons, Michael Clark and wife Anastasia, Pat Clark and wife Allison, Dr. Sanders Lozano Solano, and wife Catalina; and his daughter, Dayan Lozano Solano. Olen is also survived by nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Laura Clark, and his son, David Clark.

His funeral will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles, 4321 Lake Street. Rev. Lee Whitley will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday, July 31, from 4:00 until 8:00 PM and will resume on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the start of the service.