WORLEY "H" CLARK, JR

Worley “H” Clark, Jr., age 94, of Hinsdale, Illinois, died peacefully at home on October 4, 2026. He is now reunited with his beloved wife of 69 years, Callie Anne Coughlin Clark, who preceded him in death.

"H" was the ultimate family patriarch. His deep devotion to his family was the cornerstone of his life. He is survived by his daughters, Caryl Lynne Smith (Brian) and Cindy Anne Mancillas (Kurt); his cherished grandchildren, Kelsey Lynne Smith, Kendall Anne Mancillas, and Dylan Clark Mancillas; and several nieces and nephews.

His life was defined by an incredible 80-year love affair that began on his very first day of fourth grade in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, where he met his soulmate, Callie Anne. The childhood sweethearts married in 1955, launching a lifetime of shared adventures. "H" attended Northwestern University before transferring to North Carolina State to study engineering. His time with the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at N.C. State instilled a lifelong commitment to leadership, loyalty, and service to others. Together, "H" and Callie Anne passionately championed education, endowing numerous college scholarships to lift up future generations at N.C. State, Wake Forest and Mountain Empire Community College.

"H" possessed a brilliant business mind, rising from a sales engineer in 1960 to eventually serve as the President, CEO, and Chairman of Nalco Chemical Company. His leadership expanded a massive global expansion. “H” and Callie Anne travelled extensively around the globe during this time; each trip an adventure and an opportunity to promote international business relations. 

As an innovative leader, “H” was asked to serve on twelve corporate boards and several business associations such as Merrill Lynch, USG and The Northern Trust; The American Society of Corporate Executives (ASCE) and The Chemical Manufacturers Associations (CMA). Always committed to giving back, “H” proudly served on several influential Chicago boards, including Rush University Medical Center, The Field Museum, United Way, and the Brookfield Zoo.

Due to his commitment to giving back, “H” was awarded with several honors from the business and philanthropic communities.  The Trustee Medal of Honor, Rush University Medical Center; Outstanding Corporate Director in the United States class of 2007; Chemical Industry Gold Medal, Society of Chemical Industry; the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award, N.C. State; Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Department of the Army; are a few of the honors he received.

After retiring from the corporate world, "H" joyfully fulfilled a childhood dream by becoming a true cowboy. He and Callie Anne purchased a working cattle ranch in Big Timber, Montana. The "H" Clark Ranch became a treasured sanctuary where he felt most at home in his jeans, cowboy hat, and boots, surrounded by family and friends.

"H" was a Southern gentleman; a generous mentor and sage advisor who loved nothing more than holding court with his family and friends, offering wisdom (solicited or not). He will be forever remembered for his dry wit, unshakeable integrity, and deep devotion to those he loved. He will be forever loved “a bushel and a peck.”

Funeral services will be held in Hinsdale, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to The Woman’s Board Endowed Fund for Research and Clinical Trials at Rush University Medical Center, https://thewomansboard.org/product/memorial-contribution/