Earl D. Clark entered heaven peacefully on Tuesday, April 17, at home in the presence of family. He was 88 years old. Earl was born on April 20, 1929, in Bremen, Indiana to Frank and Elizebeth Warner Clark. He was 10 years old when his mother died and soon after he was taken to an orphanage in Ohio. As he grew up there, he had one constant thought: "I want to be a good father and have a family!" He married Mary Ruth (Chub) VanFleit and had 5 sons and one daughter. At his death, he had 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren! A tradition that began in the 1920s, the Clark/VanFleit family continues to gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. For 42 years, the Clark family continues to enjoy summers at the family Lake Jimmerson cottage. His dream was realized.

Earl was President of the Garrett Telephone Company and started Clark Communications shortly after retirement. He and his wife enjoyed refurbishing homes. He was an avid golfer and spent many hours on the courses of Garrett, Auburn and Leo with his children and grandchildren. Earl played basketball, football and ran track in high school and faithfully followed his children and many grandchildren in their sports, music and theater activities. He truly was a loving family man and loved by many.

Earl is survived by 3 sons: Dave (Robbie), Dan (Laurie) and Jack (Leslie) and his daughter, Mary Kay. His grandchildren are Lori (Ryan) Benson, Becky (Jon) Wright, Brian Clark, Bruce Clark (deceased), Beth (Chris) Carlson, Ryan (Kristin) Clark, Adam (Casie) Clark, Nate (Erica) Clark, Jeff (Tiffany) Clark, Steve (Bonnie) Clark, Corey (Adam) Muzik, and Paul (Allison) Davis. He has 30 great-grandchildren with another on the way. Earl's brothers are Frank Clark, Jim Clark and Alan Warner. He also has many nieces and nephews surviving. Preceding him in his death are his wife, Mary Ruth VanFleit Clark, his parents, sons, Jim and Bruce, five brothers and two sisters.

Services will be at 1pm on Sunday, April 22, at Thomas Funeral Home in Garrett. Visitation and viewing will be Saturday, April 21, from 5-8pm and Sunday at noon.

Burial will follow in Christian Union Cemetery – Garrett, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate honoring their father and grandfather with donations to Grabill Missionary Church or DeKalb Health/Hospice.

You may send a condolence or sign the on-line register book by visiting: www.thomasfuneralhome.org