by KIM HILSENBECK
Cecil Clark of Buda turned 100 years old on Oct. 24. With his good-natured personality, ability to get around on his own, his bright blue eyes and his hearty laugh, one might mistake Clark for a much younger man.
His daughter, Bobbie Casper, and son, Cecil Allen Clark, both of Buda, threw him a birthday party last Saturday so that friends and family from near and far could celebrate this momentous occasion with Clark. About 80 people were at Clark’s home enjoying the weather, time with Clark, and of course, cake.
People brought cards and gifts for Clark, who sat on a bench in the yard as one person after another sat with him to reminisce and share a few moments together. He even received an autographed memento from President Barack Obama commemorating his hundredth birthday.
Clark ran what is now Raby’s Roots on Main Street in the historic district of town. Back then, it was Clark’s Grocery and Market. He and his wife, Wayne Clark, now deceased, owned and operated that store for more than 20 years. He then went to work for the owner of Buda Grocery, where he spent more than 20 years.
For more than 40 years, Clark has been the caretaker at the Live Oak Cemetery in southern Travis County. To this day, he still shows up to make sure the property looks good and that the well and the restroom are in good working order.
But most Buda area residents see Clark each Thursday at the Onion Creek Senior Citizens Center for dominoes and lunch; Clark was instrumental in the drive to build a larger facility adjacent to the current location, next to the Hays County offices on FM 2770, just west of downtown.
We at the Hays Free Press wish Mr. Clark a very happy birthday. And many more!
You can read more about Cecil Clark in the November issue of All Around Hays.
