Justice Marcus R. Clark, a retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, passed away on September 25, 2024, in Gainesville, Georgia at the age of 68. His passing has left a profound impact on the legal community and beyond.
Born on February 24, 1956, in Sulphur, Louisiana, Justice Clark's journey in law and justice began with humble roots. After graduating from Sulphur High School in 1974, he pursued a degree in Criminal Justice at Northeast Louisiana University, now known as the University of Louisiana at Monroe. His commitment to public service and leadership was evident even during his college years, where he actively participated in Student Government and other campus activities. In 1978, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice.
Following his graduation, Justice Clark briefly pursued a career in law enforcement before attending law school at LSU. In 1985, he earned his Juris Doctorate from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. He then joined the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney, eventually rising to the position of Chief Felony Drug Prosecutor.
In 1997, Justice Clark began his judicial career by winning an open District Judge seat in the 4th Judicial District, where he served with distinction. His dedication to justice and legal expertise earned him the respect of his peers and the community. Throughout his career, he actively contributed to the advancement of the judicial system through his involvement in various committees and boards.
In 2009, Justice Clark was elected as an Associate Justice to the Louisiana Supreme Court for the Fourth Supreme Court District. His commitment to upholding the highest ideals of a judge was evident in his work on the Supreme Court boards and committees. He was known for his integrity, legal acumen, and dedication to serving the community.
Upon his retirement from the Louisiana Supreme Court in June 2020, Justice Clark's legacy continued to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact extended beyond the courtroom, as he was deeply involved in mentoring and supporting aspiring legal professionals.
Justice Marcus R. Clark's contributions to the legal field were profound and far-reaching. His passing is mourned by many, including colleagues, friends, and family. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice, his kindness, and his dedication to serving others.
In honor of Justice Clark's memory, the family has requested that donations be made to the Justice Marcus R. Clark First Generation Endowed Scholarship at ULM, the Marcus R. Clark Scholarship Fund at Sulphur High School, or the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe.