Obituary for Les Polk as posted on his Facebook page by his family:
From the family of Clarence (Les) Polk:
Clarence Lester Polk (August 3, 1939 – May 5, 2024)
Clarence “Les” Polk, a courageous soul who battled prostate cancer for two decades, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side.
Born on August 3, 1939, in Trenton, Florida, Les was the son of Charles Lester Polk and Emma Lee Laird. His childhood was spent in Kendrick, Florida (Ocala), where he earned various endearing nicknames such as Les, Josh, Pop-pop, Grumppa, Chief, and Old Goat. After graduating from Ocala High School in the Class of '57, he embarked on a remarkable journey with the United States Navy. Over 22 years of service, he traveled the world, stationed in Key West, Puerto Rico, Iceland, Bermuda, Wales, and Dam Neck, VA, where he retired as a Chief Petty Officer. Les continued his career as a federal employee, serving as an Intelligence Directorate SSO Foreign Disclosure Officer, Underseas Surveillance in Norfolk. His naval adventures were complemented by academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from St. Leo University. In 2001, he retired once more.
In 2005, Les found love in Gainesville when he met “the girl next door,” Kathy Matunis Polk. They married in 2007 and shared a passion for travel and quality time with family.
Les proudly held membership in the Polar Bear Society of Norway, and he was a Plank Owner on an undisclosed ship. Crossing the equator as a Shellback was another milestone in his naval career.
Survived by his wife of 17 years, Kathleen, Les leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.
His family includes:
William (Stephen) Polk: Son
Dianne McDaniel: Daughter
Savannah Kirby: Daughter
Evelyn Britt Stanton: Sister
Buddy Polk: Brother
Drew McDaniel, Kyle Polk, Renithas Kirby, Henry Kirby, Caitlyn Cavanaugh, Angela Steele, and Martin Steele: Grandchildren
Killian McDaniel and Sophia Polk: Great-grandchildren
Les was preceded in death by his daughter, Caroline Steele and siblings Mary Green, Jimmy Polk, and Sam Polk.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the Swick House in Alachua, FL. For details, please contact Kathy Polk.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Haven Hospice Gainesville, the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library (19 W Washington St, Shenandoah, PA), or Southeastern Guide dogs (Dogs Inc), K-9s for Warriors. Fair winds and following seas, Les.
