Kenneth "Kenny" Clark, age 77, of Marion, IL, formerly of Pittsburg, KS and Ironton, MO, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 4:35 p.m. in SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, IL.
He was born Kenneth Charles Clark on August 14, 1946 in Pittsburg, KS, a son of Charles "Charley" and Alver (Laughlin) Clark. He was united marriage to Claudette Whaley on July 22, 1972 in Frontenac, KS, and together they have shared over fifty-one years of marriage.
Kenny was a graduate of Pittsburg High School, Pittsburg, KS Class of 1964. Upon graduation from high school, he furthered his education at Pittsburg State Technical College where he studied welding.
He worked for McNally Manufacturing – Pittsburg for over twenty-three years until the company closed. He and Claudette moved to Ironton, MO, where he went to work for Huffy Bicycles, continuing his work in welding. After Huffy ceased their operation in Southeast Missouri, he then went to work for the Little Tikes Corporation in Farmington, MO where he worked until his retirement. After retiring, Kenny and Claudette moved to Marion, IL.
Kenny was a member of Carterville First United Methodist Church, Carterville, IL. He loved traveling, especially to San Fransisco, to visit Pier 39. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and a lover of trains. He loved trains of all kinds. During their travels, he and his wife took the California Zephyr all the way to the state of California. He was a collector of toy trains and model trains and set up an impressive model train set at his home. Besides collecting trains, Kenny also treasured his knife collection. Above all, he was a proud husband, father and grandfather. Kenny loved his family and cherished the time he could spend with them, creating wonderful memories together.
He is survived by his loving wife, Claudette Clark of Marion, IL; daughter, Kimberly (Jon) Disher of Kent, WA; two sons, Charles "Chuck" Clark of Noblesville, IN and Kyle (Kayleena) Clark of Farmington, MO; three granddaughters, Olivia Disher, Cecily Clark and Kayleigh Clark; brother, Stephen (Debbie) Clark of Osawatomie, KS; and several nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Arrangements were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
Per Kenny's wishes, cremation rites were accorded.
The family hosted a memorial service at Carterville First United Methodist Church, located at 301 Pine Street, Carterville, IL on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with the Reverends Bob Morwell and Larry Gilbert presiding.
For those who preferred, memorial contributions were directed to either of the following: "American Cancer Society" or the "Prevent Cancer Foundation." Envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
To leave an online condolence of memory, please visit our website at wilsonmcreynolds.com or for additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.
