Oakley ? Stan Clark was remembered Thursday as a man of faith and a conscientious state senator, but most poignantly as “Dad.”

Clark died Saturday in a car accident on Interstate 70 and was buried near his hometown. He was 49. His 12-year-old son, Will, paid tribute to his father at Thursday’s service.

“I will think of you whenever I work on my stamp collection. Also do my best to keep the Hudson pickup, Chevy car and International Harvester truck in good running condition,” Will wrote in a brochure handed out at the funeral.

He added that his father set a good example for him.

“Thank you, Dad, for being the most special dad a boy could ever have. I will miss you, but know I will see you again someday,” he wrote.

Flags at state buildings were flown at half-staff in Clark’s honor at the request of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, who attended the funeral with hundreds of mourners.

Rep. Jim Morrison, R-Colby, remembered Clark from the days before Clark served in the Legislature.

“I have been fortunate to know Senator Clark since he was Stan Clark, photographer. He has taken many of our children’s school, graduation and family photos,” Morrison said.

Clark served 10 years in the Senate and was considered both a leader of conservative Republicans and a potential candidate for Senate president later this year. He served as chairman of the Utilities Committee and as a member of its Assessment and Taxation Committee.

Clark was known for his quiet, modest demeanor and for his simple dress — a white shirt and collarless dark coat — in keeping with membership in the Dunkard Bretheren Church.

Morrison said Clark studied issues in Topeka, was a resource for other legislators and served rural Kansas well.

Rep. Jan Pauls, D-Hutchinson, said Clark’s death was a loss for the state.

“Stan was such an outstanding senator and a real gentleman,” Pauls said. “He was a good friend and a strong, positive Christian man.”