Richard Ray Clark

Richard Ray Clark Sr., 79, of Marion passed away Saturday, November 23, 2019 in a deer blind located near Thompsonville, Il. He was born on July 5, 1940 in Jewett, Ohio to John L. Clark and Della Saffell Clark. Richard married the love of his life, Nancy Feher on September 12, 1959 in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio. She preceded him in death on March 7, 2018. Richard proudly served two years in the United States Navy. Another of his love’s was the mining industry. Starting with various mines in Ohio and then moving to Illinois, where he was a general manager for Freeman Coal Company for four years. He then moved to Amax Coal Co and became Vice President for Midwest Mining Operations in only one year after joining the underground mining division. Richard started his second career as an entrepreneur when opening his first pawn shop in West Frankfort. He went on to open two more shops in the area. His passion was serving his patrons and he continued this up to early this year when he closed the Christopher location. This began his retirement in earnest at the age of 78. Richard enjoyed learning and received his Masters in Business Management from Wesleyan University in Indianapolis. He continued to be an avid reader throughout his life. He knew how to work and also how to play. He was an avid golfer. Enjoyed his family, boating, fishing, camping, hunting, gardening and serving his fellow man as a Masonic member of Smithfield Lodge 182 F&AM. Richard was also a Shriner and Boy Scout Leader. His other memberships included American Turkey Federation, NRA and National Pawn Brokers Association. If there were a Miner’s game in town, you knew where you would find Richard and Nancy as they were season ticketholders from the very beginning. He is survived by his four children, Richard Clark, Jr and wife Lisa of Velpen, IN; Frank Clark and fiancé Ashley Renee of Mexico Beach, FL; David Clark and wife Lashay of Orient; Jennifer Clark of Trafalgar, Iindiana; nine grandchildren and one great-grand daughter. Several nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife Nancy Clark, brother, John H. Clark, sisters, Eileen Henry, and Neosha Shelton. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, November 25, 2019 at the funeral home. Funeral services for Richard Ray Clark will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel in Energy. Entombment will follow at Egyptian Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that monetary donations be made to St. Jude’s or Riley’s Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family visit www.crainsonline.com

Richard Ray Clark

July 5, 1940 - November 23, 2019