Stephen Zifton Clark, 53, of Alexandria passed away Nov. 25, 2003, in Big Bend National Park, Texas.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003, in Emmanuel Baptist Church, with Larry Taylor officiating. Interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville, under the direction of John Kramer & Son.

Stephen grew up in Lake Worth, Texas, and was a graduate of the University of Texas-Austin; he later earned a master's degree from the University of Texas-Arlington. He has worked with adolescents and families for 30 years, both in residential and private practice in Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Alexandria. Before entering into private practice at Alexandria Counseling Services, Stephen was clinical programs director at Renaissance Home for Youth for five years.

Stephen was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying back-packing, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, biking and camping. Besides personally enjoying these high adventures, Stephen has spent the last six years sharing his experience and knowledge with the youth of Alexandria through the Boy Scouts of America. He was assistant scoutmaster for Troop 10 and Cub Scout Webelos leader for Pack 5. He was also active in the Order of the Arrow. He received the Silver Beaver Award in May 2003.

Stephen was involved at Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he led the Royal Ambassadors for the last three years. He was an active participant in Pilgrimage to Bethlehem 2002, 2000 and 1998.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Lynn Davis Clark, and one son, Wesley Thomas Zifton Clark of Alexandria; his mother and stepfather, Dorothy and Earnest Hix of Mabank, Texas; one brother, Byron David Clark and close friend, Lea Vanden Boogeard of Longmont, Colo.; aunts Margaret Nabors and Nita Beavers; uncles Earnest and Weldon Beavers.

He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Thomas and Dorothy Davis; three brothers-in-law, Wesley W. Davis and wife, Patricia, and son, Kenny of Alexandria; James T. Davis of Little Rock, Ark., and William E. Davis and wife, Jane; nephews, Carter and Brett; and niece, Blair of New Orleans. He is also survived by friends across Texas and the nation.

Friends are asked to call from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2003, at Kramer Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until time of the service Saturday at Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Boy Scouts of America, Attakapas Council, 1545 Jackson St., Alexandria, LA 71301.