Robert Clark Obituary

Robert F. Clark, 82, died Jan. 6, 2018, at the Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.

He was born Aug. 8, 1935, in Warsaw, to Claude R. and Thelma J. Durham Clark. Robert graduated from Warsaw High School in 1953. On Feb. 27, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Darlene Nagel, and they were happily married for 62 years. They had two children, Bonnie Sue and Mark Alan.

Robert served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955 through 1957. He returned to Warsaw after military service and completed classes to become a journeyman pipefitter. He was a member of the Local 48 Grain Millers Union and was employed 40-plus years at Roquette (Hubingers) in Keokuk, Iowa. After retirement, Robert worked through the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 125 and enjoyed the opportunity to engage in different types of pipefitting jobs and making new "fitter friends."

He enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, restoring cars and tinkering in his "retirement garage." Robert and Virginia took frequent motorcycle trips both across the U.S. and locally. During retirement years, they looked forward to wintering in Arizona with friends. Anyone who knew him, knew his love of music and string instruments. He was self-taught and played music by ear. Robert was a member of a family style Country Opry in Plymouth and in later years the bluegrass Hard Times band. He also shared his love of gospel music and played in various community churches. Robert was especially close to his grandson, Tyler, and often said he was double blessed with the addition of his great-granddaughters, Grace and Kara.

He was a life member of Hopewell Lodge No.127, A.F.M. Jackson, S.C., and a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Warsaw.

The Clark family wishes to thank the special caregivers at the Illinois Veterans Home that made sure Robert was comfortable and well cared for during this past year.

Robert is survived by his wife, Virginia, of Quincy; his daughter, Bonnie (Jerry) Bollin of Quincy; his grandson, Tyler (Jennifer) Lomax and great-granddaughters, Grace and Kara Lomax of Clarksburg, Md.; and a sister, Fran (Roger) Daniels of Kahoka, Mo. Other survivors include five brothers-in-law, Walter Nagel, Lyle (Charlot) Nagel, James (Roberta) Nagel, Donald Nagel and Larry Hall; two sisters-in-law, Elda Mae Beeler and Judy Schmitt; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Clark and Thelma Clark Schmitt; his twin sisters, Patty Stark and Peggy Zick-Hall; three brothers, Carl Schmitt, Tony Schmitt and Johnny Clark in childhood; son, Mark Alan Clark; three brothers-in-law and their wives, Marvin (Betty) Nagel, Milton (Carlene) Nagel and John (Luella) Nagel; three sisters-in-law and their husbands, Gladys (Carroll) Fleck, Selma (Clarence) Morales and Margaret (Bennie) Crowell; his sisters-in-law, Marlene Schmitt, Fern Nagel and Karen Nagel; and his brother-in-law, Edwin Beeler.

SERVICES: Noon to 2 p.m. (luncheon) Saturday, Jan. 13, at the Community Center, 1680 Keokuk, Hamilton. A private inurnment will be held in the Lutheran Cemetery in Warsaw.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, to the Alzheimer's Association or the Illinois Veterans Home Activities Fund.

WEBSITE: hansenspear.com.

ARRANGEMENTS: Hansen-Spear Funeral Home, Quincy.

Condolences may be expressed online at whig.com.