Larry E. Clark

Larry Edward Clark, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2024 in Dundee, Michigan following a battle with ALS. He was predeceased by both of his parents.

Larry was born on July 19, 1941 in Stryker, Ohio to Alonzo “Bob” Clark and Georgia “Midge” (Davis) Clark. He often recounted stories of his dad bringing home wild animals to raise as pets, including foxes, skunks, and chipmunks. He also fondly remembered working in the local butcher shop as a teenager. Larry graduated as salutatorian from Stryker High School in 1959 and subsequently attended Colorado State University and the Ohio State University. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio State in 1963, he entered the Peace Corps where he volunteered in Colombia, South America. Upon returning to the U.S., Larry also served in the Michigan Army National Guard. On June 17, 1966, Larry and Lois “Jean” Burton were united in marriage. The couple later relocated from Michigan to Utah, where Larry earned his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah in 1971. They subsequently moved back to Caro, Michigan, where their daughter, Jennifer, was born and Larry assumed various roles at the Caro Center throughout his career in social work.

Larry was a member of the Caro United Methodist Church and the Caro Exchange Club. An avid fly fisherman throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing the streams and rivers of Montana, Michigan, Missouri, Alaska, Canada, and Iceland among many others.

He retired from the Caro Center in 1996 following 27 years of service. In his retirement, Larry participated in various volunteer endeavors including serving on the Caro Library Board which reflected his lifelong love of books and reading. Larry also enjoyed caring for his pet cats and took in many strays over the years.

In 2005, his granddaughter, Annabel, was born. Larry was a loving, devoted husband, father, and grandfather who spent much of his time with family. He often affectionately joked that his car had worn “ruts in the road” on US-23 due to their frequent visits.

Larry truly “never met a stranger” and acquaintances quickly became friends. He could find something interesting to talk about with anyone he met and was an equally good listener. He particularly enjoyed folk and mariachi music, especially John Prine, Harry Chapin, Tom Paxton, Neil Diamond, and Pepe Aguilar. Later in his life, Larry was a member of the senior community at Hampton Manor of Dundee and enjoyed the many friendships he forged there.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Louise Clark; parents-in-law, Clyde and Loretta Burton; and brothers-in-law, Mike Derryberry and Charles Mayberry. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jean Clark; daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Doughty; granddaughter, Annabel Doughty; and special friend, Pam Austreng.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the many amazing caregivers and staff of Hampton Manor of Dundee who truly treated Larry as if he were family. Thank you also to Careline Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.

In keeping with Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life gathering to honor Larry is being planned for a later date. Those wishing to donate in his memory are asked to consider the Filling Homes Foundation (Napoleon, Ohio) or Cass River Pet Friendz.