GREENFIELD
Richard Clark, known to his friends as RJ, passed from this life on March 31,2023 after a brief illness.
He was born February 22,1930 to John Cletus Clark and June Cleo (Lanham) Clark in Indianapolis. He attended Arsenal High School but later moved to Stevens Point Wisconsin and graduated from Stevens Point High School.
RJ joined the US Army January 14,1949 and was stationed in Japan. While in Japan he completed the course for special agents at the Counter Intelligence Training school in Tokyo on July 1, 1950. He was deployed to Korea on July 18,1950 with the Headquarters Battery/1st Cavalry/Division Artillery. During his service he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on July 30, 1950. He proudly served in Korea until 1951. During his time in Korea he served with the 1st Cav/99th FA as well as a unit photographer. RJ was honorably discharged on June 27, 1952.
Upon his return to Indianapolis RJ attended Purdue University. He later went to work for Bass Photo as a photographer before transitioning to the medical/surgical supply field. He worked for many years as the purchasing agent for Hancock Memorial Hospital.
Richard married Mary Olive Clark on April 23, 1957. They had five children and eventually moved to Greenfield in 1964 and settled on 14 acres east of town. When asked by their friends from Indianapolis what he raised on those 14 acres, his standard response was “weeds and kids”.
Richard had many adventures in his life, both big and small, and his family loved the ones they were a part of and enjoyed hearing about the ones they were not..
RJ was a life member of the 1st Cav Division Association, American Legion Post 102 and VFW Post 2693 and was proud to serve with the Honor Guard for many years.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife in 2014. He is survived by his five children, Jennifer (Jim) Nixon, Sonya Clark, Cynthia Drane, Jeffrey Clark, and Eric Clark; 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and his sister, Flauda Lou (“Vicki”) Denesha.
Visitation will be held at Bell Mortuary in Fountaintown, Indiana on April 28th from 10AM to 1PM. Services, with full military honors, will take place immediately following the visitation. Internment of ashes will be at Harlan Cemetary in Wilkinson, Indiana.
A celebration of RJ’s life will be held at VFW Post 2693 in Greenfield on April 29th from 3-7PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Veterans Assistance Fund 98 E North St. or Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard 2302 West Stone Ridge Trail both in Greenfield IN 46140.
RJ will be remembered for his service to his country, his love for his family, and his dedication to his friends and community.
Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com
