Richard Clark, 75

Richard Lee Clark, age 75 of Mendon, died Saturday Oct. 15, 2011 at his home. He was born in Allen Park, MI on March 29, 1936 the son of George H. and Ida Marie (Bower) Clark. The family later moved to Mendon where Richard graduated from Mendon High School in 1954. He was married to Janice McVay in Vicksburg on Nov. 4, 1955. They resided briefly in Portage and Vicksburg before moving to Mendon in 1972.

Richard sold for Electrolux, worked at Great Central Insurance and Kalamazoo Blueprint Co. before establishing Clark Well Drilling. Richard also engaged in farming, loved animals, collecting toy tractors, playing the guitar, and watching Red Wings hockey. He supported the 4-H Programs at the county fair and the Mendon Little League. Richard served on the Mendon Township Zoning Board and the Michigan Groundwater Association. His family also opened their home to 13 foster care children.

Richard is survived by his wife, Janice; 5 children and their spouses, Kimberly Batten (Phillip “Todd” Mears) of Vicksburg, Lora (Sam) Huff of Mendon, Rick (Michelle) Clark of Schoolcraft, Jeff (Shari) Clark and Tricia (Shawn) Griffith both of Mendon; 14 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; a sister, Marjorie Gordan of Republic, MI; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Ann Marie; and by 3 sisters, Shirley, Margaret, and Pauline.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday Oct. 19, 2011 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will begin at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Cremation will then be conducted and private interment of ashes will take place later. Memorials are suggested to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.