Clark Andrew Colby, Sr.

Clark Andrew Colby, 91, passed away peacefully December 12, 2020 at his home at Edgewater in West Des Moines surrounded by his family. He was born on October 21, 1929 in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles Iowa Colby and Ruth Reite Colby. Clark attended Roosevelt High School and then graduated from Valley High School in West Des Moines. He went on to study at the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and continued his studies at Drake University. Clark met the love of his life Marilyn Framness and they were married on March 31, 1951. They shared over 69 wonderful years together. Clark told Marilyn he was going to show her the world, which he did. They traveled extensively, usually with close friends or family.

Clark worked closely with his father and was partners with his brother Charles in real estate construction and development primarily in the western suburbs of Des Moines. He also played an integral part in working with his father to establish several family trusts collectively known as Colby Interests. Clark greatly enjoyed watching and assisting the next generation of family trustees in continuing to invest and grow the assets of Colby Interests. Clark served on the Board of Directors for Brenton Banks for many years. He was a fifty-year member of the Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and the Grand Lodge of Iowa. He was a member of Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, The Rotary Club, The Breakfast Club, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, and Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Clark loved the outdoors. He enjoyed many types of hunting and fishing all across the country. He also had a passion for horses. He acquired several race horses, but mostly bred, raised and showed American Quarter Horses. Clark’s horses earned many ribbons and trophies with several achieving national recognition. The family also enjoyed their skiing trips to Colorado, and their fishing trips to Canada, where the entire family would relax and have fun together. Clark and Marilyn spent over 20 winters at their home in Bonita Springs, Florida at Bonita Bay, boating, biking, walking and golfing with their golf groups and with family and many good friends. We also should mention that orchids were Clark’s passion.

Clark loved his family and he will be greatly missed. Clark is survived by his wife, Marilyn. They were blessed with three children who were all born in Windsor Heights on Colby Ave., Clark Colby, Jr. (Melinda), Tom Colby, and Kim Colby (Ric); six grandchildren, Kelsi Colby Salmon (Michael), Tom Colby Jr. (Mandee), Clark Colby III (Kristen), Nicole Jackson, Alison Jackson, David Jackson; and five great-grandchildren, Ayla Colby, Everett Colby, Violet Colby, Lucas Salmon and Adalyn Salmon.

Clark was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruth Edith Claiborne and Carol Colby Clarke; and his brother, Charles Colby Jr.

Due to the pandemic, a private family service will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, with burial to follow at Resthaven Cemetery. We will have a celebration of Clarks’ life to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Food Bank of Iowa, the Des Moines Symphony or Windsor Heights Lutheran Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Our family would like to give special thanks to all of Clark’s caregivers – especially Renae! And also extend great gratitude to Unity Point Hospice.

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