1925
Herbert
2010
Herbert Spencer Clark Jr
December 5, 1925 — December 21, 2010
Herbert Spencer Clark Jr., 85, passed away on December 21, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Herbert was born in Akron, Ohio, the second of five children of Herbert S. and Jean Clark. The Great Depression was the first event to shape his young life. The family rented a house on the grounds of Stan Hywet, the Seiberling estate. Herb's love of gardening was nurtured there as his parents planted gardens to feed their growing family.
World War II was the event that had everlasting influence on Herb. After joining the Navy in November 1943, he survived a meningitis epidemic during recruit training and went on to proudly serve his country on the USS Lamson, a Tin Can destroyer. On his 19 birthday, he saw shipmates on his left and right killed by a kamikaze attack on the Lamson. This deeply affected his attitude towards life; he rejoiced in every day, being good-natured and not a worrier.
The passage of the G.I. Bill enabled him to attend The University of Akron and at the same time, he worked with his father in his painting and decorating company, the Herbert S. Clark Co. After his father's death in 1953, he continued to operate the company with his mother through the 70s and then alone in the 80s after her death in 1982, until his retirement.
The last 20 years have brought an active and retired life full of volunteer activities through Trinity Lutheran Church, an avid interest in travel, birding, canoeing, and a continued love of gardening, growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and gourds.
Herb is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Wanda; his daughters, Susan Randall George of Harrisburg, Pa., Nanette Clark of Akron, Ohio, Leslie Jerry Snowball of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Connie Eddie Weaver of Sunnyvale, Calif., and Wendy Dave Shemano of Yellow Springs, Ohio; his grandchildren, Colin and Austin George, Todd and Matthew Hazel, Andrew and Katie Snowball, Daniel and Emily Weaver, and Juno and Solomon Shemano; his great-grandson, Gabriel Snowball; his sisters, Louisa Braten, Janette Dolan, and Kathleen Clark; many nieces and nephews, and his four-legged banana buddy, Duke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert S. and Jean R. Clark, and his brother, Gilbert Clark.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY, Dec. 29th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St., with Rev. Landis Coffman and Rev. Eileen Woyen officiating. Private inurnment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Friends may call at the church 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1177 Rosemary Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44306 or Hospice of V.N.S., 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333.
Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel
Herbert was born in Akron, Ohio, the second of five children of Herbert S. and Jean Clark. The Great Depression was the first event to shape his young life. The family rented a house on the grounds of Stan Hywet, the Seiberling estate. Herb's love of gardening was nurtured there as his parents planted gardens to feed their growing family.
World War II was the event that had everlasting influence on Herb. After joining the Navy in November 1943, he survived a meningitis epidemic during recruit training and went on to proudly serve his country on the USS Lamson, a Tin Can destroyer. On his 19 birthday, he saw shipmates on his left and right killed by a kamikaze attack on the Lamson. This deeply affected his attitude towards life; he rejoiced in every day, being good-natured and not a worrier.
The passage of the G.I. Bill enabled him to attend The University of Akron and at the same time, he worked with his father in his painting and decorating company, the Herbert S. Clark Co. After his father's death in 1953, he continued to operate the company with his mother through the 70s and then alone in the 80s after her death in 1982, until his retirement.
The last 20 years have brought an active and retired life full of volunteer activities through Trinity Lutheran Church, an avid interest in travel, birding, canoeing, and a continued love of gardening, growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and gourds.
Herb is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Wanda; his daughters, Susan Randall George of Harrisburg, Pa., Nanette Clark of Akron, Ohio, Leslie Jerry Snowball of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, Connie Eddie Weaver of Sunnyvale, Calif., and Wendy Dave Shemano of Yellow Springs, Ohio; his grandchildren, Colin and Austin George, Todd and Matthew Hazel, Andrew and Katie Snowball, Daniel and Emily Weaver, and Juno and Solomon Shemano; his great-grandson, Gabriel Snowball; his sisters, Louisa Braten, Janette Dolan, and Kathleen Clark; many nieces and nephews, and his four-legged banana buddy, Duke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert S. and Jean R. Clark, and his brother, Gilbert Clark.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. WEDNESDAY, Dec. 29th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St., with Rev. Landis Coffman and Rev. Eileen Woyen officiating. Private inurnment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Friends may call at the church 9 a.m. until service time Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1177 Rosemary Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44306 or Hospice of V.N.S., 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron, OH 44333.
Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel
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