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December 2, 1950 – October 1, 2026
Dr. Karl Duane Clinard “Doc”, 75, passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2026, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of faith, family, service, and a lifetime devoted to others.
Karl was born on December 2, 1950, in Clinton, Illinois, to Robert Clinard and Evelyn Phipps Clinard. His family later moved to Scottsville, Kentucky, where he grew up and graduated from Scottsville High School in 1968.
Following high school, Karl attended the University of Kentucky, obtaining a degree in Biology. It was during his years at UK that he met his first wife, Carole. They married in 1973 and began their life together.
Karl then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, receiving his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1978. He graduated with numerous honors, including election to the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Honor Dental Society and the Phi Kappa Phi National All-University Honor Society. He was a member of Beta Delta Fraternity and Phi Delta Prosthetic Fraternity and received several awards recognizing his achievements in dentistry, including the Omicron Delta Kappa Award for Outstanding Graduating Senior. Karl continued at the University of Louisville for specialty training in orthodontics, graduating second in his orthodontic class.
In 1980, Karl and Carole moved to Somerset, Kentucky, where Karl began his orthodontic career and where they welcomed their daughter, Renee. Somerset became home and the community Karl would love and serve for the rest of his life.
Karl experienced profound loss when Carole lost her battle with cancer. During one of the most difficult times of his life, his faith and unwavering devotion to his young daughter carried him forward.
In time, Karl was blessed with another great love in Tara. On March 23, 1991, Karl and Tara were married and began building a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, family, and adventure. Together they welcomed their daughter, Lauren Paige. They walked side by side through life’s greatest joys and most difficult seasons, creating a lifetime of memories their family will forever hold close.
For 34 years, Karl helped generations of children and adults smile with confidence, forming lasting relationships with countless patients and families. Many throughout the community will remember the words proudly displayed on his shirt, “Braces- A Moving Experience” and his slogan, “Braces Make Smiling Faces.”
Karl’s commitment to law enforcement and public service spanned more than four decades. His interest began early in life when he worked as a security officer at Transylvania University prior to dental school. Once he moved to Somerset, he served under six Pulaski County Sheriffs: John Adams, Sam Catron, Jim McWhorter, Todd Wood, Greg Speck, and Bobby Jones, freely giving his time and abilities to help keep the community he loved safe. Karl proudly served as a Special Deputy, a sniper for the Critical Response Team, and Public Affairs Officer.
For Karl, wearing the badge was never about recognition. It was another expression of the servant’s heart that defined his life. Whether caring for a patient, serving alongside fellow law enforcement officers, or answering the call when his community needed him, Karl believed in showing up for others.
Karl was also a lifelong outdoorsman and adventurer. His love of hunting began in his youth and remained a lifelong passion. He especially loved sharing it with Tara, and together they traveled and hunted around the world.
From 2016 through 2023, Karl represented the Ninth District on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission, serving as Chairman from January 2019 through December 2023. It was another opportunity to serve the people of Kentucky while supporting the outdoor heritage he loved.
Karl’s heart for service extended into nearly every part of his life. His Christian faith was not simply something he professed—it was something he lived. He served as a deacon at Beacon Hill Baptist Church, volunteered his professional talents at numerous dental clinics, served on the Board of Trustees at Campbellsville University, and the Kentucky State Police Personnel Board. Through his church, profession, education, and countless acts of kindness, Karl generously gave his time and talents to others.
For all that Karl accomplished, his family was his greatest treasure. No degree, honor, professional achievement, or title could compare to the roles he held closest to his heart: a son, a husband, a father, a Papa, a brother, an uncle, and a faithful friend. Karl was immensely proud of his daughters and found tremendous joy in being their father. When he became “Papa”, he embraced that role with all the love and devotion that defined him. His grandchildren were among the greatest blessings of his life.
Karl is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Tara Shelton Clinard; his daughters, Renee Pyles (Bo) and Lauren Paige Wilson (Dalton); his cherished grandchildren, Emry Ann Pyles, Evalyn Pyles, Elliette Pyles, Karsyn Wilson, and Kade Wilson; and his beloved dogs, Ross and Koal.
He is also survived by his brother, Mike Clinard (Patti); sister, Pam Luginbuhl; brother-in-law, Dr. Jonathan Shelton (Dr. Megan Shelton); father-in-law, John Shelton (Sue); mother-in-law, Jane Massingill (Dave); cherished members of his late wife Carole’s family; his best friend, Greg Speck, whom he considered a brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Karl is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Clinard and Evelyn Phipps Clinard; his first wife, Carole Walz Clinard; his mother-in-law, Shirley Crosby Walz, and his sister, Judith Andrews.
The love, strength, faith, generosity, and example Karl gave so freely will remain with his family forever. His was a life of purpose, adventure, service, and extraordinary love—a life well lived and a legacy that will continue through all who were blessed to know and love him.
A visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Beacon Hill Baptist Church in Somerset, Kentucky. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Karl’s memory to Beacon Hill Baptist Church or Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry.