05/18/2026
Clark J Riches
Clark J Riches, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away on May 12th, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on April 3, 1933, in Spanish Fork, Utah, and grew up in Hiawatha (Carbon County). After completing his military service, he moved to Green River, Utah, where he and his beloved wife raised their family and established his legacy of love for family, friendships, hard work, and service.
On April 29, 1955, Clark married Carol Joan Smodey in the Salt Lake Temple, where they were sealed for time and eternity. Together, they built a life centered on family, commitment, perseverance, and love. Clark carried these values throughout his life and passed them on to future generations.
Clark was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings throughout his life. His faith consistently guided his compassion, humility, and patience toward others.
Clark was a proud Korean War veteran who served his country with honor. Upon returning home, he dedicated his life to helping others. Volunteering as a firefighter, EMT, scout leader, and as a Little League coach, Clark was recognized for his reliability, compassion, and willingness to support anyone in need.
In addition to his volunteer work, Clark served as postmaster for Green River, Thompson, and Cisco, Utah, from July 1963 to October 1992. He also spent nearly 30 years driving for Vetere’s, delivering melons throughout Utah. Furthermore, for over 50 years, he collected daily water samples from the Green River and San Rafael River for the United States Geological Survey.
Family was always at the heart of Clark’s life. He was the proud father of ten children. After losing his oldest daughter, Clark and Carol lovingly raised their two grandsons alongside their other children. His legacy lives on through 34 grandchildren and over 70 great-grandchildren, who saw him as a source of wisdom, strength, and steady support.
Clark loved spending time outdoors and traveling with his family. His enjoyment included camping, fishing, hunting, bowling, gardening, and going on many adventures and road trips. As a result, many of his family’s best memories were made around campfires, on the road, and in quiet moments filled with his laughter and stories.
He is survived by his sister, Aunt Pat; five sons, Bruce (Lorrie), Duane (Penney), Gary (Kayce), Sheldon (Mari), and Lance; four daughters, Linda (Greg), Chantel (Lloyd), Kitty (Kevin), and Doni (Alex); and the two grandsons he raised as his own, Range Hunt (Kassi) and Kaleb Hunt. Clark passed on his deep respect for life, faith, service, and patriotism to his family, now numbering over 120.
Clark was preceded in death by his father, William George; his mother, Edith Taylor Riches; his wife, Carol; his oldest daughter, Julie; his brothers, Dean and Glen Riches; and two great-grandchildren, Lucas and Leena.
Those who knew Clark remember him as a man of quiet determination, integrity, and love. His example of kindness, forgiveness, and stability will guide his family for generations.
Funeral service, Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, 11:00 a.m., Green River Ward meetinghouse, with a viewing from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Interment, Elgin Cemetery. Arrangements are in the compassionate care of Castle Valley Funerals & Cremations where family and friends are always welcome and may share memories online and watch the livestream of the service at www.castlevalleyfunerals.com.
Clark will be deeply missed and forever loved; until we meet again. We love you, Dad.
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