Obituary of John Clark

John was born in Berwind, West Virginia on January 10, 1929, to Edward and Sarah (Matthews) Clark, recent immigrants from Scotland and England, respectively. John graduated from Oak Hill High School, and served honorably in the Army from 1952-1964, achieving the rank of Captain while serving in the infantry and training as a reconnaissance pilot. He began at Ford Motor Company at age 18, working his way from the assembly line to General Supervisor over a 46-year career, earning numerous certifications before his 1992 retirement. John married the former Donna L. Smith of Grosse Pointe on January 14, 1961 and raised a family in Michigan before retiring to Arizona, and recently returned to Monroe. John worked long hours to support his family, but reserved plenty of energy for home, whether playing ball, planting a garden, or repairing his teens' fleet of cars. He loved to tinker with machines, and could fix anything with duct tape and baling wire. His leisure time was spent with his children on family camping vacations, or hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan. A devout Catholic, John believed in the power of daily prayer and it's saving effect on his family. He was active at St. Patrick Parish as Council president, Lay Minister and Lector, and later was a member of Christ the King in Mesa, Arizona, then St. John in Monroe. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus in Mesa and Monroe. He loved his grandchildren, sharing folk songs, telling stories, cracking corny jokes, and spending time with his dog Maxie. His sense of humor, gentle disposition, and honesty made him a role model, the life of every party, and a friend to all who met him. He was loved deeply and will be missed greatly. John passed away peacefully as he slept on Saturday, June 8, 2013. John joins his parents and infant son, Patrick, in eternal peace. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Sister Kate, Rose Ange, and care nurse Robyn of Mercy Memorial Hospice for their superb care. John's memory will be cherished by his wife, Donna of Monroe; daughters: Patricia (Rick) Brown of Monroe, Susan (Tony) Iverson of Carleton, Lenore (Jeff) Link of Petersburg, and Alice Clark (Brett Fowles) of Mesa; sons: Edward (Stephanie) Clark of Tempe, AZ, John Clark Jr. of Olney, MD, Mark (Cindy) Clark of Rockville, MD, Thomas Clark of Scottsdale, and Michael Clark of Monroe; sisters: Mary (Tom) McGowan of Waymart, PA and Agnes (Russ) Baber of Mesa, AZ; twenty-two grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Tuesday, June 11 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe St. (734) 384-5185. Members of the Monroe VFW Post 1138 will provide honors at 6:45pm followed by a Rosary service at 7:00pm. He will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am, Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at St. John's, 511 South Monroe St. with Father James Smalarz officiating. Memorials are suggested to Mercy Memorial Hospice or Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.