Craig’s Full Bio
Quick read: about 5 minutes
Humble Beginnings and Family Values
Craig Clark’s story is built on grit, family loyalty, and showing up for your neighbors. His father was a Missouri farmer and his mother was a one-room schoolhouse teacher. When a brutal drought forced his parents to close their dairy farm, they moved to California to start over. Craig was born and watched his dad—a WWII vet—work at Lockheed while building a small ice business from the ground up.
By the mid-60s, the family moved backed to Missouri to escape big-city crime and riots. His father tirelessly went on to build several successful businesses, from hardware stores to an appliance dealership. Through it all, Craig’s mom was the glue, managing the books, taking care of the household, and staying active in their local church. Craig contributed to the family business by working after school and summers, helping build equity that would fund his future education.
Self-Reliance and Education
Inspired by his parents’ example of self-reliance, Craig paid his own way through the University of Missouri-Rolla, earning his civil engineering degree without a single student loan. He covered every cent of his tuition with side jobs, proving he carried the same work ethic his parents modeled for him.
From West Texas Dust to Executive Leadership
Craig didn’t start his career in a comfortable office; he started with his boots in the dirt. His early years were spent on-site in the middle of dusty West Texas, overseeing road construction projects under the sun. This “boots-on-the-ground” experience was a game-changer—it meant that as he rose through the ranks, he truly understood and appreciated the challenges his crews faced every day. Respected by peers and superiors, he was frequently asked to serve on task forces and innovative efforts with statewide and national perspectives.
Over his 30-year career, Craig eventually managed teams of over 400 people and oversaw massive infrastructure projects. Whether he was working in a tiny town or a major metro area, Craig became an expert at bringing people together. He spent decades collaborating with city councils, county officials, and neighborhood groups to make sure big projects actually served the local people. During these professional years, he also stayed deeply connected to the community through his involvement in church, Rotary and Lions Clubs, working alongside other leaders to support local causes.
Managing Big Budgets and High-Stakes Projects
As a District Engineer, he managed budgets ranging from modest operations to multi-million-dollar funding for staff, administration, maintenance and construction projects. He proved he could handle massive budgets while keeping local interests at the heart of the work.
At the apex of his career, he was a key leader in planning a replacement for the deteriorated, structurally deficient 1959 Harbor Bridge—ultimately a $1.2 billion cable-stayed structure. Craig cast the vision, built the partnerships with the public and many local, state and federal stakeholders, and laid the groundwork for the project, even though its development and construction continued beyond his retirement.
Faith, Family, and Investing in the Next Generation
For Craig and Linda, life has always centered on their faith and their sons. Linda homeschooled the boys, and after Craig retired, they turned that education into an unforgettable adventure—traveling through 47 states, visiting national parks and historic landmarks, and giving their sons a firsthand look at America’s legacy. Craig also tutored homeschool students in advanced math and science at a local co‑op, helping the next generation find their own paths to success.
Throughout their 32-year marriage, their faith has been their foundation. They are active in their church community, regularly gathering with friends in each other’s homes for Bible studies, encouragement, and shared life.
Establishing Roots in Cumberland County
The Clarks eventually chose Cumberland County as their “forever home.” Their sons thrived here— in addition to their education pursuits, they worked part-time jobs, played soccer, joined chess clubs, and performed on stage at the renowned Cumberland County Playhouse, a beloved nonprofit theater known for its year-round musicals, plays, and youth programs that bring families together.
Today, Craig and Linda live in a historic home in the Homesteads—a beautiful area of Crab Orchard stone houses and rolling hills. It’s the perfect place for a couple who values independence, history, and community.
Committed to Community Service
Craig remains highly active in retirement, dedicating his expertise to serving Cumberland County. For over six years, he has been vice chair of the County Health and Safety Standards Board, applying his technical expertise and people skills to resolve conflicts and address safety concerns. He is a consistent presence at County Commission meetings and closely monitors the development of the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority, ensuring the region’s infrastructure evolves to meet future needs.
Beyond policy, Craig and Linda are hands-on in their service to others. Whether they are pitching in through local charities, helping neighbors recover from disasters with Samaritan’s Purse, or volunteering for candidates at the local, state, and national levels, their goal remains the same: to give back to the community that has given them so much. From humble beginnings in rural Missouri, to the dusty roads of West Texas, and finally to deep roots in the hills of the Homesteads, Craig’s life continues to be defined by a simple commitment to hard work, faith, and the neighbors he serves.
Craig Clark for District 3 