Jack Lee Clark

Jack Lee Clark, 87, of Martinsville passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Masonic Home in Franklin, Indiana following a brief illness.

He was born Saturday, September 3, 1938 in Indianapolis to the late Harold and Juanita (Colbert) Clark.

Jack moved from Indianapolis to the small town of Elnora, Indiana at a young age. He started working at a local Marathon station in town pumping gas and servicing cars. Jack graduated from Elnora High School in 1957 where he played basketball from 7th through 12th grade and baseball his senior year. Jack was a standout basketball player, so much, that he was asked at the age of 17 to play in a dedication game of the new high school gym. This game came to be one of Jack's greatest accomplishments in life. The team he was playing against was the Harlem Globetrotters. According to his brother, the new gym was packed and it was standing room only. Jack proudly would tell anyone that he got many laughs that night with the Globetrotters calling him Pee-Wee. Jack's love for basketball led him to meet many people, including Bobby Knight. Before graduating, Jack proudly enlisted in the Indiana National Guard where he achieved the rank of PFC. Jack was Honorably Discharged from the National Guard to serve in the United States Navy where he held the rank of 3rd Class Radio Operator. Jack served our great country in two branches of the military. Thank you, Sir, for your service. While in the Navy, Jack was aboard the ship USS Sellers, DDG 11. He was also stationed for a while with his brother, Tom, in Morocco. Jack retired from Olin, formerly known as Bridgeport Brass in Indianapolis. Jack was a member of First Baptist Church in Martinsville. Jack enjoyed being involved in church activities and spending time with his church family. He looked forward to Men's Breakfast as well as going out to eat with his Sunday School Class.

He loved to share stories of his time spent in the Navy and the places he was able to see. In fact, if you had an ear, Jack Clark had a story, a joke, or chances are both. In fact, the boys like to say, "Dad has the gift to gab." Jack never met a stranger. He touched more lives than he could ever imagine in his 87 years on this Earth. He made everyone's dark day brighter with his laugh and his smile.

Jack married the love of his life on July 3, 1965. He often would say Dona fell in love with him because of his car, a 1956 red and white Chevy. Jack said his dad played a part in setting him and Dona up. He said she waited 2 years for him to come back from the Navy and he called their relationship a sidewalk romance. Jack was very involved in the lives of both of his sons. He coached basketball and baseball, bowled in leagues and spent countless hours at the racetrack with them. He spent many hours teaching them how to work on cars, motorcycles, dirt bikes, how to turn wrenches and also how to throw a few of them too. Jack also had a love for cars. In his younger days, the faster the better. Spending time with his family is what mattered most in life to Jack.

Jack is survived by sons, David Clark of Martinsville and Casey Clark (Vicki) of Bargersville; grandson, Austin Clark of Martinsville; brother, Tom Clark (Phyliss) of Plainfield; sister-in-law, Mona Hawkins (Sonny) and Peggy Martin (Larry) both of Martinsville; along with several nieces and nephews. Jack also held a special place in his heart for Vicki's children, Kenzie, Cassidy, Logan, Levi, Luke and Lathan, who he treated just like his own grandchildren. Also, special friends, Tessa Blackketter (Bob) and Henry Gray (Sheila).

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dona who passed February 18, 2025; his parents, Harold and Juanita; his father-in-law, Keith Denny; mother-in-law, Wilma "Pauline" Denny; grandson, Blair Clark; sister, Sandy Gregory; brother-in-law, Hub Gregory; brother-in-law, Thomas Denny; sister-in-law, Ruth "Dollene" Denny.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2025 at Costin Funeral Chapel with Pastor John Maples officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Jack will be laid to rest at New South Park Cemetery.

A piece of Jack Clark will forever be within each one of our hearts, for he left his mark on his Earthly home. Let us all find comfort in knowing he is resting in the arms of Jesus and reunited with the love of his life, Dona.