Denzel Rangvald Clark

October 30, 2025, marked the close of the mortal life of Denzel Clark of Clarkston, Utah. He had just celebrated his 95th birthday.

Denzel Rangvald Clark was born October 24, 1930, in Clarkston, Utah, the youngest of three children of Paul Michael Clark and Rangna Melvina Carlsen. He was raised in Clarkston, Utah.

He attended North Cache High School in Richmond, Utah, where he graduated in 1948. During his high school days, Denzel excelled in the field of athletics, academics, and student government.

Not long after high school on October 9, 1950, he married his sweetheart and the love of his life, Shirleen Thompson in the Logan LDS Temple.  Denzel and Shirleen were blessed with three children, Debra, Valarie, and Zane. There are also 17 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren. Their beautiful marriage lasted seventy years. They have dedicated their lives to the help and support of their family whenever or wherever needed. With so much love to give, it's no wonder family members would rather be at grandma and grandpa's house than anywhere else.

His early life included camping, hunting, and fishing with many family members whom he cherished. Denzel loved basketball. He played and coached for many years. His coaching included winning the All-Church Junior Tournament in 1959.

Denzel began his formal employment with the Union Pacific Railroad Company in 1953. In 1960 he went to work for Thiokol in the control and research lab. He was with them for nine years, all the while, maintaining his seniority with the railroad by working for them part-time. In 1969, he was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer. He performed this service with distinction, mostly running the route between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Green River, Wyoming. He retired from the railroad in 1992.

Denzel was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many offices in the church, which included young men's presidency, Elder's Quorum President, Stake High Council, and Bishop of the Clarkston Ward, as well as the President and Producer of the Martin Harris Missionary Pageant for 19 years.

From the very beginning he envisioned, initiated and formulated the policies and procedures for the Martin Harris Missionary Pageant and Memorial Amphitheater. The Pageant, entitled "Martin Harris, The Man Who Knew" depicted the life and testimony of Martin Harris, an early pioneer of the restoration. In its over 20-year production, it hosted more than one million guests.

Denzel loved his hometown of Clarkston; the community and its people meant a great deal to him. Because of this love, his service included two terms as mayor and initiating the town's annual celebration, Pony Express Day. His loving service also included helping many disadvantaged residents with housing and other basic needs. He was also the chairman of the Cache Valley Mayor's Association.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirleen, a daughter Valarie, one granddaughter Erin, parents Paul and Rangna Clark, one brother Paul (LaRene), a sister LaRaine (Charles Pearce), and a daughter-in-law, Kristine Clark. One sister-in-law, Beth (Vinson) Williams.

Denzel is survived by his daughter Debra (Dan) Cooper, a son Zane (Annette) Clark. A brother-in-law Norman Thompson (Karen-deceased), sister-in-law, Venna (Ken) Balls and beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews whom he adored and cherished. 

Our family would like to thank Dr. Michael Stones, Dr. Francis, and the staff at Maple Springs for their kind and loving care. We also thank Hospice for the quick and caring help he needed.

A viewing for Denzel will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Clarkston, 25 East 100 South Clarkston, Utah. Denzel's funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12:00 noon with an additional viewing held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the LDS church in Clarkston.

The funeral service can be viewed live via ZOOM by clicking this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88470597374