Birthplace: Painesville, OH

City of Residence: Chardon, OH

Memorial Date: 11/23/2012 - 11 a.m.

Memorial Location: Graveside service at Chardon Municipal Cemetery, 201 Park Ave., Chardon.

Robert W. "Bob" Clark, a lifelong resident of Chardon, passed away Nov. 17, 2012, at the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Claridon Township. He was 87.
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 Bachelor's of Science 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 longtime 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 lifelong member of Pilgrim Christian Church, where he was a former deacon and elder of the congregation.
Bob 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 Township; and grandchildren, Lisa and Jimmy Maccora, and Cody, Ryan and Hannah Cseplo.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis King Clark; parents, William and Ouida (nee Ernst) Clark; and sister, Carol Klingemier.
Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 23 at Chardon Municipal Cemetery, 201 Park Avenue, Chardon.
The family requests donations to the Pilgrim Christian Church, 202 South Hambden St., Chardon, OH 44024.
Arrangements being handled by the Burr Funeral Home, Chardon. Information and condolences at www.burrservice.com.