Allen C. Clark Lieutenant – Colonel, United States Air Force

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From a contemporary press report

Tax Collector Allen C. Clark died on Friday night, September 6, 1991, after being hospitalized since August 12 for treatment of cancer. He was 70.

Colonel Clark headed Palm Beach County's tax office since 1974, when he was appointed by then-Governor Reubin Askew to succeed Warren Kramer, who also died in office. He was elected to a full term in 1976 and won re-election 3 times. “Allen was always very nice, but he was also very tough, very firm,” County Commission Chairwoman Karen Marcus said on Saturday. “He was willing to let you know where he stood on things.” Several officials commented on the professionalism Mr. Clark brought to the Tax Collector's Office.

“He was a very strong administrator. He was always considered a person of great personal integrity,” Supervisor of Elections Jackie Winchester said. “I think he ran (his office) very efficiently.”

Colonel Clark served in the United States Air Force for 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel His service included action as a pilot during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars. He received 21 decorations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal. As part of his service, Mr. Clark was one of the pilots who flew Air Force One during the administration of  President Lyndon Johnson.

He is to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

John Clark, director of administrative services for the Tax Collector's Office and no relation to Mr. Clark, said that under Mr. Clark's tenure, the office installed computers and other state-of-the-art equipment to better serve county residents. “As the tax collector, he was very instrumental in modernizing the office — the facilities as well as the data system,” John Clark said. “His main emphasis was on quality service for the public.” In May, the Tax Collector's Office began operating the state's first mobile branch offices. The office purchased 2 mobile vans to set up at shopping centers and other locations more convenient to the public.

Colonel Clark also served a term as president of the Florida Tax Collectors Association. It will be up to Governor Lawton Chiles to appoint someone to fill Mr. Clark's vacancy until the next election, which is scheduled for November 1992.

Colonel Clark is survived by his wife, Grace; a daughter, Cynthia; a brother, William C. Clark, all of Palm Beach County; and a brother, Jay W. Clark of Portland, Oregon.

Visitation hours are from 5 to 8 pm on Monday at Quattlebaum, Holleman, Burse Funeral Home, 1201 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. Services will be at 4 p.m. on Tuesday at the Masonic Scottish Rite Temple, 2000 N. D St, Lake Worth. The Tax Collector's Office will be closed on Tuesday.

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