Kenneth E. Clark

Kenneth E. Clark, 90, of Glendale, Arizona, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully of natural causes on the afternoon of February 26th, 2015 at his home in Glendale, AZ. Ken was being visited and comforted by family members at the time of his passing. Ken was 90 years old. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 12:00 P.M. at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. in Dowagiac.  Friends may visit with the family before the service starting at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac. The family wishes to thank the many people who have paid their respects. The family requests that if you wish to leave a memorial in lieu of flowers, please give to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014 or Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 348 N. Burdick, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007. Both organizations have been wonderful to the family and deserve any assistance available.  Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Kenneth online may do so at www.clarkch.com. He was born on December 15th, 1924 in Dowagiac, Michigan. His parents, Harry and Elva (Hoadley) Clark preceded him in death as did his wife Harriet, son Greg, a sister Annabelle and a brother Clayton. One sister, Marabeth Wright still resides in Cassopolis. He is survived by wife Cheryl, sons Gary and Kent, stepson Carson and daughter Kay Clark-Cox plus 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Soon after High School, Ken joined the Army and served through out WWII. He saw action in Europe and the Philippines. He served just over 3 years with the 86th Infantry Division as a mechanic. He fought during the Battle of the Bulge. Kenneth was awarded Battle Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge.  Ken was always quick to relay fascinating stories about the war.  Many of them you would not learn about in a History book. His military training was put to use when he returned home.  Eventually he became the manager of the Ridge Store, an automotive shop that was a mainstay in downtown Dowagiac.  When the opportunity to join a Wisconsin firm’s sales team that made money handling products became available he went after it and won the position. Ken spent the next 30 years representing Brandt Inc. in Michigan and Indiana.  His energy and ability to sell enabled him to become a national leader in the company, setting several records and introducing innovations. During this time he played an instrumental part in bringing a new bank to Dowagiac.  Ken was one of the founders of The Dowagiac Community Bank. Eventually he became Chairman of the board of the bank. Kenneth served the community in several areas throughout his lifetime. He was the President of Lake LaGrange Community Club, Treasurer of the Lake LaGrange zoning board, Past president of the Dowagiac Lions Club and a 20 plus year member, lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #889 and an Elks board of trustee for 8 years. Kenneth was awarded the Elks citizen of the year in 1981-1982 and again in 1985-1986.  Kenneth was also a member of the Dowagiac Rotary Club, a member of the Dowagiac Union School Board, President of the Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, member of the Executive Committee of the Downtown Dowagiac Development Association, served as a trustee on the Federated Church board, member of the Lee Memorial Hospital Foundation and Co-chairman for the $100,000 golf shootout for the years of 1991 through 1995. Ken had many interests outside of work.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter.  Many fall seasons found him out West hunting in the mountains of Montana and Colorado.  His farm outside of Dowagiac was where he raised horses for pleasure riding and for shows. He also enjoyed flying in his Beechcraft Bonanza. Kens last few years were spent in Glendale where he and wife Cheryl owned a home. They were active in restoring and driving their Model A cars.  It was their shared passion.