Ira Clark, 79

Ira E. Clark, age 79, of Colon, passed away May 15, 2011, at Bickford Cottage Assisted Living Home in Portage. 

Ira was born July 25, 1931, in Fremont, Ind., a son of the late Ira P. and Ruby (Thompson) Clark. 

Ira grew up in Fremont, Ind., graduating from Fremont High School with the class of 1949. He then continued his education at Michigan State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education. 

He had served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a radar operator. 

On June 23, 1956, he married Edith Louise Maybee in Colon. She preceded him in death Feb. 2, 1995. 

Ira taught math at Three Rivers, Constantine and Colon high schools, retiring from Colon in 1989. 

He was a member of the Colon Masonic Lodge #73 and had bowled more than 40 years on a bowling league in Sturgis. 

He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl (Charles) Rickett of White Pigeon and Deanna (David) Mumby of Leonidas; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lois Martinez. 

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Pat Lyons, Marvel Lund and Mabel Kietley; and four brothers, Alvin Clark, Clarence Clark, Eugene Light and Lamar Light. 

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Schipper Funeral Home in Colon, with a Masonic service taking place at 8 p.m. 

Funeral services celebrating the life of Ira E. Clark will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Mr. David J. Farrell officiating. A committal service and burial will follow with military honors conducted by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard at Lakeside Cemetery. 

If desired, the family suggest memorials be made in memory of Ira to the Colon Masonic Lodge. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.