Richard E. Clark passed away at his home in Chelsea, MI on June 16, 2021, at the age of 92, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Buchanan, MI on March 30, 1929, to Elmer E. and Edith (Metzger) Clark. He married Arlene A. Dowling on August 25, 1956, and she preceded him in death in 1985.
Richard earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering and a Master’s Degree in business from the University of Michigan. He was an engineer for Ford Motor Company, retiring after 20 years of service. He lived in the Chelsea area for 48 years.
If you knew Richard, you knew that he loved to collect tractors—he traveled all over the country to expand his collection. He loved nature and enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and rabbits in his yard. He especially enjoyed polka and country music! He was a loving and devoted grandfather, and always attended his grandchildren’s school and sporting events when they were kids. He helped them through college, and was always interested in their burgeoning careers and lives as young adults. He loved catching up over the phone or in-person, and always kept them laughing with his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor.
He is survived by his children, Alan Clark of Colorado, Lesley (George) Kramer of Utah, Douglas (Karen) Clark of Commerce Township, and Michele (Bill) Spaulding of Chelsea; seven grandchildren; and one brother, Donald Clark of Indiana.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Village Church, 3430 Dover St., Dexter, MI. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of mass. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, MI. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Richard may be made to the Buchanan 4H organization or the Chelsea Community Fair. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
