Clark Lungren, the eldest child of pioneer missionaries to Burkina Faso, Gordon and Margaret Lungren, was called home by his Lord and Saviour on Sunday, September 14, 2025. 

Clark, a naturalized citizen of Burkina Faso, was driven by his passion for wildlife and the Burkinabé, which led him to sacrifice safety, comfort, and even his health for their well-being. He was responsible for turning many poachers into wildlife protectors and unbelievers into followers of Jesus. 

Clark remained fully active on his farm, conducting research, training local people, and undertaking international development projects, until he passed away at 74.

Despite not having a university degree, he was part of the Buffet Conservation Leadership Foundation and was known throughout Africa as a bird specialist and an expert in conservation area management. Burkina Faso awarded Clark the Order of Merit in 2007, and he has been lauded for his contributions to conservation and community development throughout Africa, including Niger, Central African Republic, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, etc.

Clark is survived by his wife Carol (Johnson), his sons Derek and Loren, his daughter Julia, as well as his daughters-in-law Lisa and Myriam, 5 grandchildren, and many Africans who called him “Papa” because of his love and care. 

Clark’s funeral was held at his farm on Monday, September 22, 2025, in the village of Wedbila, some 35 km from Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. 

A photo of the Lungren family taken in December 1962 while on furlough after two, 4-year terms in French West Africa (Upper Volta), now Burkina Faso.