Dec. 15, 1924 — Feb. 26, 2015

Kenneth E. Clark, 90, of Glendale, Arizona, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully of natural causes on the afternoon of Feb. 26, 2015, at his home in Glendale, Arizona. Ken was being visited and comforted by family members at the time of his passing. Ken was 90 years old.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015, at noon at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. in Dowagiac. Friends may visit with the family before the service starting at 10 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac.

The family wishes to thank the many people who have paid their respects. The family requests that if you wish to leave a memorial in lieu of flowers, please give to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, Arizona 85014 or Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice, 348 N. Burdick, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007. Both organizations have been wonderful to the family and deserve any assistance available. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of Kenneth online may do so at www.clarkch.com.

Kenneth was born on Dec. 15, 1924, in Dowagiac, Michigan. His parents, Harry and Elva Clark preceded him in death as did his wife Harriet, son Greg, a sister Annabelle and a brother Clayton. One sister, Marabeth Wright still resides in Cassopolis. He is survived by wife Cheryl, sons Gary and Kent, stepson Carson and daughter Kay Clark-Cox plus 11 grandchildren and seven
great-grandchildren.

Soon after high school, Ken joined the Army and served throughout WWII. He saw action in Europe and the Philippines. Ken was always quick to relay fascinating stories about the war. Many of them you would not learn about in a History book. His military training was put to use when he returned home. Eventually he became the manager of the Ridge Store, an automotive shop that was a mainstay in downtown Dowagiac. When the opportunity to join a Wisconsin firm’s sales team that made money-handling products became available he went after it and won the position.

Ken spent the next 30 years representing Brandt Inc. in Michigan and Indiana. His energy and ability to sell enabled him to become a national leader in the company, setting several records and introducing innovations. During this time he played an instrumental part in bringing a new bank to Dowagiac.

Ken was one of the founders of The Dowagiac Community Bank. Eventually he became Chairman of the Board of the bank. Ken had many interests outside of work. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Many fall seasons found him out West hunting in the mountains of Montana and Colorado. His farm outside of Dowagiac was where he raised horses for pleasure riding and for shows. He also enjoyed flying in his Beechcraft Bonanza. Kens last few years were spent in Glendale where he and Cheryl owned a home. They were active in restoring and driving their Model A cars. It was their shared passion.