Marion Lee Clark, “Clark”, age 86, passed away at Arbor Trace Family-first, Senior Living Facility on September 21, 2022.

He was born on September 12, 1936, to James Hugh and Mary Generose (Mattingly) Clark in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. He was the youngest of 9 children and spent his childhood in rural Kentucky during the depression era.

He worked briefly for the Army and then began his career as a cable splicer at Hinkle-McCoy in Elizabethtown. This eventually took him to Kansas where he met his wife Bonita Mae Campbell, “Bonnie”. They were married October 21,1961 and arrived in the Richmond community in the mid-1960s. They were members of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Marion worked at GTE (General Telephone Electronics) as a cable splicer and air pressure support technician until he retired at the age of 57. He was retired for 7 months and then began work as a Pinkerton Security Guard where he served for 9 years.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He believed in working hard and was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He had strong work ethics and valued being useful. He was always present for the large and minor events of those he loved. He had a wry sense of humor and a great smile. He was full of energy and in constant motion. He enjoyed gardening; especially raising tomatoes. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcats Basketball fan. Kentucky never left his heart.

He leaves to cherish his memory; three daughters: Becky Clark of Indianapolis, IN, Beverly (Keith) Pegg of Richmond, IN, and Christy (John) Hoover of Richmond, IN; five grandchildren: Jessica (James) Eversole of Fountain City, IN, and John Hoover, Chris Hoover, Andrea Pegg, and Natalie Pegg all of Richmond, IN; a great-granddaughter, Evie Eversole; sister: Alberta Moore of Charlottesville, VA; brother: Joseph Clark of Louisville, KY; and a host of other relatives and friends including a best friend for decades, Charlie Brown.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Bonnie of 57 years; his firstborn daughter: Carol Lynn Clark; grandson: David Lee Hoover; brothers: James Clark, Robert Clark, Charles Clark and John Clark; and sisters: Loretta Kemmerzell and Mary Lucille Nicholson.

The family would like to thank the staff of Arbor Trace for their loving years of care and concern.

Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Marion Lee Clark.

Funeral service will be held on Monday September 26, 2022 at 11am at Community Family Funeral Home, where calling hour will be held from 10am-11am. Burial will be at Earlham Cemetery.

Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.