Clark Dwight Root

On December 11, 2025, God reached down his hand to Clark Dwight Root, “Come my son, Your pain and suffering are done.” Clark responded saying “But I can’t leave my wife, what is she to do?” God responded, “she will join you in time if she minds her Ps and Qs.” And off he went. And so, he passed away peacefully at the age of 81 at home with loved ones by his side.

Clark, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, was born in Waukegan, Illinois, on June 7, 1944, and grew up with his parents Lillian and Glen Root, his brother Richard Smith and sister Darlene. At a young age he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where his dad taught him the love for racehorses. At a very young age, Glen would take Clark to Breen, Colorado, to help raise and train horses with Jay Elmer Decker. He excelled in baseball and graduated from Amphitheater High School in 1962. He then went on to be a proud Wildcat at the University of Arizona.

He was always a hard-working handyman, good at anything mechanical. He lived in Scottsdale, Arizona, for several years, and in his early 20s owned and operated a hydraulics and machine shop, Co-Hone Industries in Tempe, AZ, and then in Chandler, AZ.

In 1985 it was time for him and Merle to pick up their roots and move to Pleasant View to pursue their dream of living in Colorado and raising their own racehorses. His first horse, Jay Elmer, trained by Bob and Martha Pledge, went on to set many quarter horse track records. At one time they had 44 horses, many of which had successful careers.

Clark proudly served his community by volunteering for The Pleasant View Fire Dept, where he made many friends and retired.

His love for hunting and fishing was only surpassed by the love for his family. He was very proud of his animal trophies, including his big-horn sheep, which he had all but one, collected from many states. Some of his fondest memories were of hunting, fishing and camping with his family.

Along with his horses, he raised cattle and at one time farmed 2,000 acres of land. He never got much rest!

Clark fought a courageous battle with cancer for 18 months. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Richard Smith, and many old hunting buddies, whom I am sure he is hunting with and telling old stories.

Clark is survived by his devoted wife Merle Root, his sons Steve (Angie) Root, David (Lisa) Root, Shannan (Chris) Rice, Tammy (Rod) Kent, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and his adopted Godchild, Cheryl Marsell, who devoted her life over the past 18 months helping them down this rough road, and his sister Darlene McKeller. He is for sure up in heaven “just waiting on a woman” with his family and ole hunting buddies, his horses and about 10 wonderful dogs. He was an incredible “cowboy” and will be sorely missed.