FREESTONE COUNTY (April 14, 2009)—Family, friends and fellow firefighters paid tribute Tuesday to Robert “Bob” Lee Clark, the longtime chief of the Streetman Volunteer Fire Department in Freestone County who died last Thursday in a freak ATV accident.

After services Tuesday, Clark’s casket was placed atop a Streetman VFD truck.

Two honor guards accompanied Clark on the trip to the cemetery, where Fairfield Fire Chief Bill Brown conducted the graveside service.

Other members of the Streetman Volunteer Fire Department served as pallbearers.

The Freestone County Times reported that Clark was riding his ATV home on FM 3059 after visiting his best friend, fellow firefighter Chris Wirtz, when the four-wheeler slammed into a stray cow.

Clark’s was fatally injured in the collision.

Wirtz, the newspaper reported, was among the volunteer firefighters dispatched to the accident scene.

Clark served as chief of the Streetman Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years.

"Bob was a caring, loving, man who gave his heart to every kid he saw," Streetman firefighter, Jerry Bonds told the newspaper.

"He was a big man, with a big heart, a big kid himself."

Clark was passionate about Streetman’s annual homecoming, the paper reported, and this year’s celebration on April 25 is dedicated to him.

Clark leaves behind his wife Cheryl, four children and two grandchildren.