Jeff Clark, 60

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jeffery Joe Clark, age 60, of Mendon, on Friday, July 5, 2024 surrounded by his family at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, following a sudden illness. Born in Vicksburg on October 25, 1963 to Janice (McVay) and late Richard Lee (”Dick”) Clark, Jeff with his family moved from Vicksburg to Mendon in 1972.  He attended Mendon Community Schools and graduated with the class of 1981. There Jeff met his high school sweetheart, Shari Miller, and they married on June 18, 1983 in Three Rivers.

His interest in tools, engines and machinery started early when he lived on his family’s farm and worked for his father in the family business, Clark Well Drilling. Jeff had an uncanny ability to intuitively understand how things worked and how to fix them: he was mechanically inclined. A lifelong car enthusiast, Jeff’s hobbies included automotive repair, home improvement projects, playing poker, and golfing. He was golf coach for Mendon High School’s golf team for two years.

After working for his father’s business and his father-in-law’s business, Miller’s Carpet Cleaning, Jeff transitioned into machine tool and die. In 1986, he joined Burr Oak Tool in Sturgis where he was Department Supervisor, followed by Assistant Vice President of Operations, and then Vice President in charge of Manufacturing. His career allowed him to travel through Europe, Japan, and several of the 50 states. Jeff retired from Burr Oak Tool in June 2024, after 38 years with the company.

Jeff will be remembered as having a gift for selflessly helping others. He was an honest, hard working man who was a reliable and present son, husband, father, and friend. His foremost passion was enjoying a close family life with his children and grandchildren. Jeff was the most dedicated and loving grandfather to Arthur, 5; Asta, 2; Reid, 6 months; and Heidi, expected later in 2024. He was looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and making lasting memories with them; he loved to spoil them with their very own John Deere tractor & wagon, bumper cars, pool and toys. Known as Grampy, Jeff valued his sleepovers every other week with Asta and sitting together watching cars go by his home, watching monster movies (her request) and eating too much ice cream together. Jeff’s final project before passing away was clearing a spot in his yard to build the grandkids their own playhouse.

His three children will fondly remember one of his favorite sayings: “It is easy to shine.”

In addition to his father, Jeff was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Marie. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Shari, and their three children: R.J. (Doreen) Clark of Indianapolis, Brittany (Marianne) Clark-Svendsen of Portage and Dylan Clark of Kalamazoo. Three grandchildren: Arthur Berkoh Clark, Asta Dylan and Reid Bjorn Clark-Svendsen, and soon to arrive baby Heidi Jo Clark.

Also surviving are Jeff’s mother, Janice Clark of Mendon, three sisters and brother: Kim (Tod) Mears, Vicksburg; Lora (Sam) Huff, Mendon; Rick (Michelle) Clark, Hawaii; Tricia (Shawn) Griffith, Mendon, and several nieces and nephews, and best friend Alvie Wall.

The family will receive friends from 10am to 12pm Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Crossroads Missionary Church in Mendon. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 with Rev. Emily Sparks officiating. It is suggested that memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com