R. Dale Clark
November 10, 1927-January 18, 2008
NILES - Mr. R. Dale Clark, 80, of Carefree Court, and formerly of Beechwood Drive, died at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2008 in West Woods of Niles following an extended illness.
Mr. Clark was born Nov. 10, 1927, in Swartz Creek, MI, to Alfred and Reva (Allen) Clark, and was raised in Durand, MI. After graduation from high school, he served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II. He was also employed part time for several years by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad.
Dale began his college studies at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), and was a scholarship member of the UCLA baseball team. He completed his studies at Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo), earning a bachelor degree, and becoming a certified public accountant. He had lived in Niles since 1958.
He was employed by French Paper Company, Niles, for 30 years, retiring as executive vice president. In retirement, he worked part-time at Scarpone and Company, Niles, and at Southwestern Michigan College.
Mr. Clark was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, Niles where he served as an elder, and for 26 years as usher. He always enjoyed golf, winning several championships, and playing in the Western Amateur Open one year. In retirement, he enjoyed tent camping with his wife throughout the United States, and bicycling. More recently, he has enjoyed reading, especially the classics.
On Nov. 19,1954 in Battle Creek, MI, he married the former Nancy Jane Saxton, who survives.
Also surviving are their children, Andrew Dale (Colleen) Clark of Saline, MI, Amy Jean (Bob) Strozewski of Buchanan, MI, and Patricia Ann (John) Moss of South Bend; grandchildren, Travis, Ryan, Dagne, Bobby, Barbra, Brandon, twins Jayson and Matthew, Michael and Jenna; and his sister, Jean Buckner of Battle Creek; and brother, Jack Clark of Coloma, MI.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Alfred Clark Jr. And Jason Clark.
The funeral service for Mr. R. Dale Clark will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, in First Presbyterian Church, Niles with the Rev. Janet Van Lear of the church officiating. Committal rites will follow privately, at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Contributions in memory of R. Dale Clark may be made to The Foundation of the First Presbyterian Church or to House Hospice