Raymond Clark

Raymond Clark, age 88, of Eaton, OH, died Saturday, April 14, 2012 at his home. Born on November 16, 1923 in Richmond, IN to James Manuel Clark and Eva (Bresher) Clark, Ray Clark was 12 when his father died and his mother reluctantly placed two of Ray’s siblings in a Children’s Home in Logansport while she tried as a single mother and widow to rear the three remaining with her. Ray was never able to trace his lost brother Gene and sister Mary. His youngest sister Marjorie Carty still lives in Logansport and his youngest brother James has lived much of his life in Alaska. Ray became the man of the household as the oldest son and oldest child. He went to work and did factory labor all of his working life. He worked 34 years for Dayton Tire and Rubber as a union rubber worker, retiring as the company closed its operation in Dayton. He then served as the church custodian for St. Paul United Methodist Church for several years and became a faithful member of this congregation. He was a dedicated family man, raising five children in Eaton. Active in Eaton’s Eagles Lodge and in the district with his wife “Dot”, he served in many capacities as an officer and trustee. Always ready to help others in his quiet way, humble way, Ray was a Red Cross volunteer who was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award from the local Red Cross. He transported many Eaton and other Preble County residents to hospitals and doctor’s offices in Ohio and Indiana. Ray loved mushroom hunting, squirrel hunting, playing cards (especially pinochle and “hand and foot”), and bowling. Survivors include his wife and faithful companion of 64 years, Doris “Dot” Horine Clark, to whom he was married August 25, 1947; his children: Dr. Karen Montgomery (Martin) of Richmond, IN; Sharon Pfaff of Dayton; James Clark of Eaton; Barbara Geeting (Paul deceased) of Wathena, Kansas; and Jeffery Clark (Brenda) of Eaton; and these grandchildren: Stephanie Montgomery Grabill (Michael) of Northbrook, IL; Christina Richardson (Travis) of Suwannee, GA; Lisa Daggs (Barry) of Dallas, TX; Tisha Hicks (Kevin) of St. Joseph, Missouri; Tracy Houck (Thorntie) of Elwood, KS; Talon Geeting of Wathena, KS; Faith Clark (Elyssa) of West Chester; Hope Burrell and Wesley Clark , both of Eaton. Raymond was blessed with great grandchildren: Jackson and Leah Gabrill, Jared Richardson, Carson and Caroline Daggs, Ethan Burrell; Hailey Hicks, Justin Chase Hicks, Temperance “Elle” Houck, and Allison Stroud-Geeting. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at the Girton Schmidt & Boucher Gard Funeral Home, 226 West Main Street, Eaton, OH with Pastor Chris Farmer officiating. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery, Eaton, OH. Friends will be received from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at the funeral home with Eagles Lodge #2202 services beginning at 8 pm. Memorial contributions may be sent to Reid Hospital Hospice, 1100 Reid Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374 or St. Paul United Methodist Church, 120 North Maple Street, Eaton, OH 45320.