Joseph Orval Clark

Birth: February 15, 1934 | Died: October 5, 2025

Joseph Orval Clark was born to Ann Baur and Orval Clark at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California on February 15, 1934. He was a beloved brother of Betty, Velda, and Joann, all of whom preceded him in death.

Joseph Clark attended Anaheim High School and graduated in 1953. He was a passionate baseball player in his youth, and played competitively until the age of 18. He was given the opportunity to join the minor leagues, but his plans changed when he was drafted into the U.S Army during the peak of the Korean War.

Joe served two years in the Army traveling abroad on a merchant ship to Korea, and later stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii. After returning home, Joe worked as a lineman for Anaheim Utilities, and during this time, he met the love of his life Carole Ann Stueckle. Joe and Carole spent the next few years together and got married in 1961.

After getting married to the love of his life, Joe achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter, and was hired by the Orange City Fire Department in 1961. During his time as a firefighter for the City of Orange, he worked his way up and got promoted to Engineer in 1974. Joe also became the first snorkel driver for the City of Orange. He worked with pride and dedication in his role until his retirement in 1985 due to an injury.

Joe was a devoted husband to Carol Ann, who preceded him in death in 2000. During his retirement, Joe was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather as he found joy in spending time with his family.

Joseph Clark is survived by his daughters, KelliJo Paul and Michelle Ashmore; sons-in-law, Scot Paul and William Ashmore; five grandchildren: Courtney Taylor (Jason Taylor), Joseph Jones (Annie Freshwater), Dwight Ashmore, Austin Ashmore, and Landon Ashmore; and his five great-grandchildren: Christine Jones, Jax Taylor, Hudson Taylor, Wyatt Taylor, and Grayson Jones.

A celebration to Joe’s life, “A Toast to Little Papa,” will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Orange, November 1st, 2025, service starting at 11:00 am, with a luncheon to follow at The Villa in Orange.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, a cause Joe carried close to his heart during his life.