Local funeral home owner Cedric Duane Clark died early Friday morning of a heart attack.

Clark, 42, died at 6:30 a.m. at Rush Foundation Hospital, according to a family spokesperson. He was owner of Clark’s Memorial Funeral Home

“This is devastating to say the least,” said his father, Obie Clark.

According to his mother, Melba, Clark’s interest in the funeral business was prompted at an early age.

“It started when he was in the seventh grade,” she said. “After learning about mortuary science at a career fair at Carver School, Cedric began to do research on the profession and decided that was what he wanted to pursue as a career. I thought he would change his mind as he became older, but he didn’t.”

After graduating from Meridian High School in 1982, Clark enrolled at East Mississippi Junior College in Scooba. Two years later, he received an associate of arts degree in mortuary science.

He returned to his hometown and began working at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home. After 21⁄2 years with the business, Clark decided to open his own funeral home, his mother said.

In 1987, Clark and his parents founded Clark Memorial Funeral Home. In 1997, a new building was constructed at 621 30th Ave., the current location of the business.

“His focus was to give good service to people,” Mrs. Clark said.

Clark was a member of First Union Missionary Baptist Church and The Elks Club.

In addition to his parents, survivors include a sister, Tracey Clark Washington; three nieces and nephews, Clark Elizabeth, Jason and Andrew; and a fiancee, Katrina Henderson.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Clark’s Memorial Funeral Home.