Obituary of Ward "Joe" Clark
Age 78, of Clio, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at home with his family by his side. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am, Saturday, March 16, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Roy Horning to officiate, with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Ward’s family will be present to receive friends from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Friday, March 15, 2024, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services. At 7:00pm, family, friends, and parish will gather to pray the Rosary. On Saturday morning, Ward will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. Memorial contributions may be considered to St. Mary Catholic Church. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Ward’s tribute wall at martinfuenralhome.com.
Ward “Joe” was born in Flint, Michigan, on April 5, 1945, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick and M. Jean (Ward) Clark. Educated locally, Joe attended Mt. Morris High School, graduating with the Class of 1963. He then went on to obtain his associate degree in drafting from Mott Community College. Joe proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves during the Vietnam War Era until his honorable discharge. Upon his return to the States, Joe began his career working at General Motors, Buick, as a Foreman, for 35 years until his retirement in 1998. Joe met his beloved wife, Colleen Slattery, at Sandy’s Pizza in Mt. Morris and they were united in marriage on November 20, 1965, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Joe became a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and attended there for 26 years. He was an avid deer hunter as well as enjoyed fishing up North in Homer or anywhere else he was able. Golfing at Southmore Golf Course with the guys was one of his favorite pastimes. On Father’s Day, he enjoyed going with all his family putt-putt golfing. Joe loved to travel and has been to 46 states including Alaska and Hawaii, which were his favorite. He also enjoyed going caving and exploring and navigating through many caves. Joe had a pond with beautiful koi fish in it that he enjoyed feeding and watching every day. He was known as the man who could fix anything, and he did. From cars to plumbing to electrical work, he was your guy. In his free time, he enjoyed Crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles. He was a wonderful husband and father and will be greatly missed.
Left to cherish Joe's memory are his beloved wife of 58 years, Colleen Clark; his mother, Jean Clark; children: Steven Clark, Michelle Clark, Scott Clark, Malissa Clark; siblings: Jim and wife, Linda Clark, Dee and wife, Patty Clark, Mark and wife, Debbie Clark; several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Frederick, and sister, Sheile Clark.