Surrounded by his family, John W. Clark passed away peacefully at home on October 10, 2007.

On August 20, 1919 John William Clark was born William Lewis to Welsh immigrant parents in Pennsylvania. His father died soon after his birth, and he was adopted by John Hickey Clark and his wife Emma as their only child. John’s biological mother also passed away shortly thereafter.

John was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature was a lifelong passion that began at a young age in the abundant countryside near his home in El Dorado, Illinois. He fell in love with Mary Kathryn Mugge, and in December 1942 they were married. World War II was in full swing, and John was stationed in Panama with the Army Air Corp. In 1956 John and Kay were blessed with the birth of their only child, Michael. John shared his love of hunting, fishing, collecting guns, and training hunting dogs with both his son and grandson, Mike. After moving to the Tri-Cities with his family in 1960, John became an active member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 598. In 1982, John’s beloved wife Kay passed away. Having spent many years working as a pipefitter on various projects around the country, John retired during the completion of the #2 reactor at Hanford.

John met and married Gladys Scheel in 1989. John and Gladys enjoyed their retirement, traveling to Europe, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the United States during their eighteen year marriage.

John is survived by his only child, Michael Clark and his wife Tracy; his daughter-in-law, Candy Hales and her husband Ron; and his two grandchildren, Mike Clark and Carissa Clark. He is also survived by his wife, Gladys Clark. Gladys’ family includes her children, Fred Scheel; Shirley Larry Noggles, Cynthia Pete Finley, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

There will be a viewing from 5:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Einan's Funeral Home, October 15, 2007. A celebration of John’s life will be held at Einan’s Funeral Home 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2007. There will be a graveside service immediately following at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland.

John’s family would like to thank Tri-City Chaplaincy Hospice for their kind and compassionate care during the final weeks of his life. Donations can be made to Tri-City Chaplaincy Hospice at 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick,WA 99336