Feb. 2, 1921 — July 3, 2017

Howard E. Clark passed away Monday, July 3, 2017, in Jackson, at the age of 96.

Howard was born to parents William and Goldie Clark in South Bend, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley; son John; and sisters Eleanor, Wilma and Myrtle.

Howard is survived by his daughters, Genie (Charles) Reisdorf and Kay Davey; sister Rosemary; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Niles High School, where he excelled at debate and forensic speaking. He attended Alma College for one year with money he earned working summers on a farm near Niles.

When World War II broke out, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Corps and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Rutter of Niles. He went on to honorably serve his country as a Navy pilot stationed in Port Lyautey in French Morocco.

After the war, he graduated from MSU and the U of M law school. He moved his young family to Jackson where he worked for Consumers Power Company for 30 years.

He was a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. He served for many years on the tribal council and was instrumental in gaining federal recognition for the band.

Howard loved to read great literature as well as mysteries. He also enjoyed cooking, ballroom dancing and the company of his orange cat, Ollie, and, later on, Dandy.

He was ahead of his time in realizing the importance of the environment and the benefits of eating well and exercising. Howard was a great believer in life-long learning. In his late 60s, he enrolled in a 20th century literature class at JCC. His young classmates were initially surprised, then appreciative of the perspective that a student of another generation could give. Howard was an amazing man who lived through extraordinary times. He was loved and will be sorely missed.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Wetherby Funeral Home in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson Public Library, Cascades Humane Society or the charity of the donor’s choice.