Clark Gable Hunter

Clark Gable Hunter, age 87, of Versailles, passed away on March 8, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Versailles. Born on September 15, 1938, in Bragg City, Missouri, he was the youngest of nine children born to J.O. and Maude L. (Bowling) Hunter. His parents instilled in him a deep love for the Lord and a strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life.

On November 5, 1967, in Eldon, Missouri, Clark married Mary Sue Dawson. They shared fifty-four years of marriage until her death on December 20, 2022. Clark served the people of Morgan County for twenty-four years as County Collector, earning a reputation for reliability and dedication. He also raised cattle, worked as a real estate agent, and served many years as a USDA meat inspector. A gifted auctioneer, he conducted countless auctions with his energetic voice and friendly manner, always enjoying the chance to connect with friends and neighbors. At home, he took great pride in cultivating his beautiful flower gardens, tending them with the same care and patience he showed in every part of his life.

Clark played football under legendary coach Pete Adkins at Centralia High School, where his team lost only one game during his career. Coach Adkins remembered the five-foot-five, 135-pound senior halfback as “a real spark plug for the Panthers” and “the hardest tackler on the team,” the kind of player coaches dream about. Their friendship endured for decades.

Above all, Clark’s faith and family were the center of his world. He cherished his children and grandchildren, finding his greatest joy in the time spent with them. He is survived by his children, Keri Heinrichs and husband Todd of Chester, Nebraska, Tracy Lepley and husband Troy of Versailles, Missouri, and Jeff Hunter and wife Jessica of Osage Beach, Missouri; grandchildren Colin Lepley, Andrew Lepley, Sequoia Heinrichs, Andrew Heinrichs, and Savannah Hunter; great-grandchildren Carson Lepley, Cora Lepley, Ryleigh Lepley, and Michael Clawson, Jr.; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings Ovid, Doyne, Jerry, Bonnie, Jeanette, Billie, LaNora, and Ella Jo.