"I knew mr.Russel Clark because he was my husband John A Clark's uncle.He was a very good christian man,and he was very kind.My husband and I loved him very much.He is with Jesus now but we will always miss him.May God be with all the family."
In loving memory of
Russell M. Clark
September 13, 1920 - December 3, 2010
Upland: Lt. Col., Retired, Reserve Russell M. Clark, Sr., 90, passed at 9:43 p.m. Friday at Wesleyan Health Care Center, Marion, Indiana. He was born in Titusville, Pennsylvania, to the late John R. and Pearl (Decker) Clark. He was reared on the family farm in Crawford, County, PA. Through the years, he spoke fondly of his home as being "at the foot of Parker Hill in the valley of Evans Run." The home was in a beautiful spot, with woods as a backdrop. Mr. Clark graduated from Titusville, PA, Colestock High School as an honor student, and later a cum laude graduate of Taylor University as a History major, with graduate work at John Carroll University of Cleveland, OH. He married the former Gertrude "Trudy" Johnson at Miami Beach, FL on Saturday September 22, 1942. They celebrated their 68th anniversary in September 2010. They are the parents of four sons: Dr. Russell Jr. (Martha), David (Cathy), Rev. James (JoAnne), and William. They also have seven grandchildren: Hannah (Chad) Harmon, Corrie Clark, Kelsey Clark, William Reed Clark, Matthew Clark, Rob (Christina) Clark, and Derek Clark. Their great grandchildren are William and Murphy Harmon. There are four step-grandchildren and thirteen step-great grandchildren. Mr. Clark was a life member of United Methodist Churches wherever he lived in the U.S.A. He was a member of the Upland United Methodist Church, where he sang in the chancel choir for decades. He also taught an adult Sunday School Class for twelve years. Music had played a big part in his life. He sang in the Marion Easter Pageant chorus for eleven years. He had been a member of several choirs, duets, quartets, also solo work, in various places; a member of Sons of Harmony Barbershop chorus for decades. While at Taylor University, he was a member of the men's glee club, oratorio chorus, Vesper choir, and president of the International Relations club. He earned letters in baseball and basketball. He was an excellent bowler, and won medals and trophies for horseshoes (both North and South) into his 80s. Russell was a most devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He set a good example of a Christian Dad to his boys; and all of the time encouraging them in sports or scouts activities. At one time, he was President of the P.T.A. Council in Corry, PA. He loved his country and was proud to wear the uniform of the US Air Force. During World War II, he served in the Caribbean Defense Command, and during the Korean Conflict he served in the Strategic Air Command under Gen. Curtis LeMay. He earned several medals including, the American Theater Campaign, W.W.II Victory Medal, National Defense Medal, Small Arms Expert, Air Force Reserve Medal, and Air Force Longevity Ribbon. Russell lived life to the fullest; as his wife penned at one time, "The lad from Pennsylvania, a difference made on Earth." Funeral Service: 1:00 PM Tuesday, December 7, 2010, Upland United Methodist Church, 123 E. Washington St., Upland, Indiana. Visitation: 4-8 PM Monday, December 6, 2010, Jones-Smith Funeral Home, 259 N. Main St., Upland, Indiana Interment with Military Rites: Friday, December 10, 2010, Sunnyside, Cemetery, Centerville, Pennsylvania
Tributes
"Trudy and family, My thoughts and prayer are with you at this time. We have missed you and Russ these last few winters in St. Cloud and missed pitching horseshoes with Russ at the ST. CLOUD HORSESHOE CLUB. Carol J. Johns PR for the Club"
"Trudy and Russell Jr. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. It was pleasure to get to know Russ and to take care of him. He was a wonderful person. His love for Trudy truely amazed me. May God be with you at this time."
"For Trudy and family especially Russ Jr. our thoughts and prayers are with you. We remember Russ Sr. fondly. Praise God for his life and witness. John & Mary Porter"
"Dearest Trudy and family,I was so sorry to read of Russ's passing.I know of your strength in God's love and that it will bless you at this time.Due to the snow I won't be at the service.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.Love,Marsha"
"Teresa and I wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathies of your loss. We also appreciate his service to his Country. Although we did not know Russell Sr., we are convinced he was a noble and honorable man who loved his Lord, his family and his Country. No doubt he has been given clearance to land at that beautiful base called Heaven. Our blessings to the family. The Morley Family (Ron and Teresa)"
"To Aunt Gertie and family, When my dad passed away, I will always remember my Uncle Russ' and the words of hope he shared With me that sad day. May the Lord give you His peace!!! Your nephew, Chuck"
"Dave so sorry to hear about your dad.love ya beth."
"Trudy, So sorry to hear of your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Linda Tudor and Dori Foster and family"
"cathy and dave knows....they are on the way home....trudy wont forget the fun we had at the fireworks with you and tuss...take care of yourself...."