Larry W. Clark

Larry Walter Clark died peacefully at his home of 60 years on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Larry was born in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Orville William Clark and Louise E. (Altman) Clark on May 1, 1946. He shared his birthday with his twin brother, Jerry Louis Clark. The boys were a welcome addition to the Clark family as they joined their three older sisters Jeannine, Marlene, and Gail. Following in the footsteps of his father and both grandfathers, Larry was a Locomotive Engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad. During his 40-year career, he took his "grip" and stayed with the railroad as it changed hands to Penn Central, to Conrail, then CSX when he retired in 2006.

In 1958, Larry met the love of his life, Patricia Annette Fisher, when she was chasing him off the hay bales in the barns on the Fisher Farm. Finding, loving, and marrying Patty was the best series of decisions he ever made. Married on October 1, 1965, Larry and Patty created a loving family with four children who by their example taught how to work hard, play hard, and love hard. Larry and Patty shared their love of service and stressed the importance of giving back to their community with their kids. In addition to his blood relatives, Larry amassed many dear friends who became family. As far as he was concerned, the more the merrier. There was always room for one more around the campfire.

A graduate of Westerville High School's Class of 1964, Larry enjoyed attending every reunion with his fellow Wildcats. He proudly served his country in the United States Armed Forces from 1965-1967 as a crew chief and door gunman on a Huey Helicopter of the 1st of 7th Cavalry. He was a man who loved hunting, fishing, backpacking, boating, golfing, motorcycling, karate, playing softball, cycling, and taking endless family camping trips. Throughout the years, he was a member of the NRA, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Genoa Conservation Club, North American Hunting Club, and Boy Scouts, both as a scout and a troop leader. In his later years, Larry saw every Western movie ever made and watched all 477 episodes of NCIS at least twice.

A man of many interests and hobbies, Larry loved to be busy and always had a growing list of "to-do's". Many of his tasks revolved around maintaining the home he made with Patty and their children in Genoa Township and taking care of the Clark Family Cabin in Fredericktown, Ohio. Whether chopping wood, mowing acres of grass, tending to his massive garden, or clearing trails in the woods, Larry loved his home and cabin where his children and grandchildren were raised. Decades of family memories were made and shared at these beloved homes.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Louise; his sisters Jeannine Kunze and Marlene Meade; his nephew David Dennis; and his grandson Daniel Phillip Rako II. Surviving Larry is the number one Clark girl - his wife of nearly 60 years - Patty Clark. Also surviving are his four children and their life partners: Lori Clark and Duane Ward; Jill Clark; Paula (Clark) and Michael Pingue; and Joshua and Victoria (Lewis) Clark. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who already miss their Pap Pap something fierce, include: Ian and Adrienne (O'Docharty) Murray; Robin and Mackenzie (Musgrave) Murray; Morgan (Rako) and David Gang; Brenna Murray; Claire Rako; Rocco Pingue; Presley Pingue; Kevin Frazer; Cora Raye Clark; Josiah Holmes; Wesley Clark; Jasmine Holmes; and Madison Gang. His sister Gail (Clark) MacCall and twin brother Jerry Clark are left to mourn their brother. He also leaves behind countless treasured nieces, nephews, and friends.

The celebrations for Larry will officially start on Thursday, January 9, by visiting with his family and friends between 4 and 7 pm at Moreland Funeral Home (55 East Schrock Road, Westerville). We will gather again (just as he would want because one party is never enough) on Friday, January 10, at 2 pm at Moreland for a Celebration of Life. Following the Friday service, please join us as we continue the party at the American Legion Hall (393 East College Avenue, Westerville) by enjoying a good meal, telling tall tales, and sharing Yuenglings just as he would want. Instead of flowers, please consider donating in memory of our Daddy and Pap Pap to the Central Ohio Spina Bifida Association or New Albany Special Olympics.