David H Clark

David H. Clark was born in Akron on November 13, 1931, and born into eternal life on November 30, 2016. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ravenna. He served in the U.S. Army. David worked for 26 years at Ace Rubber in Akron, then at Crest Rubber in Ravenna, where he became owner/president of the company. He also built houses when he was younger with his twin brother, Donald, through their Clark Twins Construction Company.

Dave was devoutly Catholic and passionately pro-life. His greatest joy in life was his large family and his many grandchildren. He could be found at family get-togethers holding the babies. “Keep them warm enough, and any baby will sleep,” he would say. David was a simple man who enjoyed farm life, including gardening, raising chickens, rabbits and other animals through the years, and driving farm equipment. The grandkids loved his tractor rides. He hosted a flea market each Saturday so he could meet with his regular customers and serve them popcorn and hot dogs. David had a heart for the disadvantaged and would offer work or a place to stay for those who were struggling with this or that crisis. He was generous to a fault. If he was given too much change, he always gave it back. He was known to give a $20 tip for a $3 cup of coffee. He was patient in traffic and over spilled milk. He taught us how to suffer, and though his final months were filled with suffering, he offered it up; through it, he kept his sense of humor. David wanted to die in God’s good time, and he never lost faith. Until the end, he continued to thank God for everything, including his family and many caregivers.

He leaves his wife, Shirley, to whom he was married for 61 years, and with whom he raised eleven children. Survivors include sons David (Karen) of Stow; Perry (Moira) of Bath; Chris (Laura) Freeman-Clark of Tallmadge; Steve (Cathie) of Tallmadge; Mike (Joan) of Hudson; Paul (Shelly Bevan) of Strasburg; Joe (Amie) of Wadsworth; and daughters Karen (Joe) Congeni of Bath; Kim (Chris) Foote of Carmel, Ind.; and Patty (John) Roman of Hudson.

Dave also leaves grandchildren: Lisa (Eric) Kelley, Kristy (fiancé, Joe Sofio), David, Erin, Joe, Maria and Michael Clark; Anthony (Carol), Brenna, Serafina (fiancé, Kerrigan Cain), Francesca, Lucia and Dominic Congeni; Kelsie (Steve) Ilko, Brian (Maggie), Cory (Tyler) Thurn, Louis (April) and Marie Clark; Nick and Natalie Freeman-Clark; Kera (Scott) McNelis, Ryan (Bianca), Evan, Laura (Ryan) Murt, Marissa, Brianna and Christopher Foote; Dana, Andrew (Julia), Vincent and Alex Roman; Melissa, Amanda, Stephanie and Steven Clark; Alexis, Garret and Leanna Freund; Emily, Sam and Molly Clark; Justine, Jacob, Zachary (Chloe), Alexandria (Jason) Gmerek, Sydney and Linus Clark; Isaac and Matthew Clark; great-grandchildren, Elliana, Caden, Charlotte, Killian, Cambria and two unborn great-grandchildren due in April and May of 2017. Dave kissed the ultrasound pictures when he found out the news.

Dave was preceded in death by his daughter Kelly (Tony) Freund; granddaughter Cathryn; parents, Francis Michael and Mary Theresa Clark; his identical twin, Donald, and his older brother, Gerald; and sisters, Dorothy Wagner and Agnes Ake.

The family would like to extend thanks to the many caring nurses, physicians, and medical staff who cared for David over the years. Also, a special thanks to the tremendous staff at Bath Creek Rehab Center.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 1 Timothy 4

Friends may call 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, December 4, 2016, at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave. (on the Historic Tallmadge Circle) and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Church, 409 W. Main Street, Ravenna, with Fr. Kraynak officiating.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Pregnancy Center, 180 1st St NW, Barberton, OH 44203 or to Priestly Formation Appeal at the Catholic Community Foundation, 1404 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114.

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