Joe Clark

Joseph R. Clark of Carmel, IN, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at the age of 93. 

He was born in Owensboro, KY, on March 10, 1932, and raised by his loving mother, Mary Ella (Rudy) Clark, an incredible woman worthy of her sons’ adoration. He had the good fortune to marry his high school sweetheart, Christine (Shelton) Clark, on December 2, 1950. Together they shared over 65 happy years of love and adventure together. In their first years of marriage, Joe attended the University of Kentucky, where he graduated in 1956. During this time they also began to grow their family, welcoming three beautiful children; Joseph P. Clark, John M. Clark, and Mary Susan Clark. Their family traveled from Kentucky to Texas, Indiana, North Carolina, New York, and Connecticut before finally settling back in Indiana. 

Thanks to his inexhaustible work ethic he achieved countless personal accomplishments in his lifetime including a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, graduating from Stanford’s School of Business, and a successful career as an Engineer. He held various titles throughout his professional life such as Vice President of Union Carbide, CEO of Gas Tech, as well as leadership positions with Linde, and Praxair. He also received numerous acknowledgments and awards throughout his lifetime including the honor of being commissioned a Kentucky Colonel. 

He was an avid crossword enthusiast, a world traveler, a passionate historian, a phenomenal storyteller, and had the kindest heart. He liked a full table and good conversation and made friends wherever he went, always striving for more so he could share with those he loved. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be missed by anyone who had the good fortune to know him. To those closest to him, he is no less than irreplaceable and will forever be remembered as the best Grandaddy a person could ask for. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ella Rudy of Owensboro, KY, his brother James Clark of Owensboro, KY, his loving wife Christine Clark, and his beautiful daughter Mary Susan Clark, all of whom he was very much looking forward to reuniting with. 

He is survived by his children, Joseph P. Clark (Barbara) and John M. Clark; his grandchildren, John R. Clark, Jessica Clark (Felix), Catherine Clark, Sarah Clark (Jason), Cassie Clark, Molly Wormley (Kevin); and his great-grandchildren, Kamby Beatty, Kayden Beatty, Chase Hammel, Addison Hammel, Daniel Roth, Riley Wormley, and Jillian Roth. 

The family will be holding a public visitation at Flanner Buchanan in Carmel, IN on December 23, 2025, from 11am-1pm.

 In lieu of floral donations memorial contributions may be sent to the Special Olympics, American Cancer Society, and Guiding Eyes for the Blind.