Robert W. “Bob” Clark

Robert W. “Bob” Clark, 87, lifelong resident of Chardon, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2012 at the UHHS Geauga Medical Center, Claridon Twp. Bob was born in Painesville on July 22, 1925 to William S. and Ouida (nee: Ernst) Clark. They would provide him with the bedrock faith that would sustain him throughout his life, a belief that through God all things were possible and also to always strive to do your best. He would pass these values on to his children and grandchildren. On March 6, 1957, he married the love of his life, Phyllis King of Chardon. They went on to have 42 years together until her passing in 1999. She was a rock solid supporter of what would become a long career of service. Together they would raise two daughters, Debbie and Kathie. Shortly after graduation from Chardon High School in 1943, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country during World War II. After the war, he began his college career at Yale University, and then graduated from the University of Pennsylvania – Wharton with a B.S. in Economics. He was also on the university’s varsity track team. After college, he became a successful business engineer for the George S. May Company and then returned home to Chardon to become a residential builder and developer with his father. Bob would continue his service in the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserves for 35 years. He became a commissioned officer during the Korean War, attended the Naval War College and National Defense University, and served on the staff of the Industrial College of Armed Forces. He had seven commands and retired with the rank of Captain. He was later recalled to the Pentagon in 1981 to serve under then Secretary of the Navy, John Lehman, on the National Naval Reserve Policy Board. He retired from the Navy in 1985. In addition to his military service, he would find many ways to serve the local and state community. He is best known as having served five terms as State Representative of the 74th Ohio House District, which included all of Geauga and part of Trumbull County. He also served as a long time Chardon Township trustee and Chairman of the Board of Geauga Community Hospital Association, co-founder and president of the Geauga Community Improvement Corporation, Director of Ohio Township Trustees and Clerks Association, President of Geauga County Health Advisory Board, and board member of University Hospitals Association. Most recently he served on Chardon’s Bicentennial Committee. He was a member of the former Chardon Lodge #93 F. & A.M., now Village Lodge #274 and member of the Al Koran Shrine. He practiced his faith as a life-long member of Pilgrim Christian Church, where he was a former deacon and elder of the congregation. He will be deeply missed by those whom he gave so much love, support and encouragement. Bob is survived by his daughters Deborah (Jeff) Maccora, of Canton and Kathleen (Rob) Cseplo of Concord Twp.; grandchildren Lisa and Jimmy Maccora, and Cody, Ryan and Hannah Cseplo. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis King Clark, parents, William and Ouida (nee: Ernst) Clark, and sister, Carol Klingemier. Graveside service at Chardon Municipal Cemetery, 201 Park Avenue, Chardon at Friday, November 23, 2012, at 11:00 AM. The family requests donations to the Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 South Hambden Street, Chardon, Ohio 44024.