Donald W. Clark

Donald W. Clark, 90, died peacefully Saturday, January 3, 2026 at home under the care of his family and Avita Hospice.

He was born September 17, 1935 in Lancaster, Ohio to the late Ray and Jane (Koska) Clark. Don’s family was active in the Salvation Army and he played trombone in the Salvation Army band. They made their way to Bucyrus when Donald was a teen and he graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1953. When a friend of his took Don hunting in the country, little did he know that he would meet and fall in love with his friend’s cousin, Beverly Johnson. Don and Bev were married October 24, 1953 and shared nearly 70 years of marriage when she preceded him in death August 17, 2023. Don loved his country and was proud to have served in the US Army Reserves for six years.

Don will be remembered for his orneriness, memorable laugh, and always trying to cheer people up. He always had a strong faith, and it strengthened daily even in his final days. He and Bev were active and faithful members of the Bucyrus Seventh-Day Adventist Church. They also loved camping and played in a Friday Night Bowling League. He and his dad enjoyed fishing in his youth. Don was a superintendent at Huber-Warco in Marion and also worked for Cobey and Eagle Crusher. Don adored visiting and teasing his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and Bev also opened their home to many people from near and far who became extended family.

Don is survived by children, Darlene (Merle) Schoonard, Brenda (Rodney) Herra, Tammy (James) Bilger, and David (Dawn) Clark; grandchildren, William Schoonard, Timothy (Donna) Schoonard, Rebecca Herra, Rodney (Jenifer) Herra Jr., Brent Clark, Clint Clark, and Kaylee Clark; great grandchildren, Annabelle Schoonard, Eliyana Herra, Ellis McGathey, and one expected; sisters, Patty Bowen, Linda Young, and Cathy (Curt) Yeager; and extended family, Lourdes Schoonard, Heisey Shrew, Allen Samuel, Julius Johnson, and Nerilla Loeak.

In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by brothers, Carl, Norman, Dick, and Joe Clark.

The Clark family will receive friends on Thursday, January 8 from 4-7 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus, where his funeral will be held on Friday at 11:00 am with Pastors Jeba Moses and Patrick Mazani officiating. Burial will follow in Sixteen Cemetery (Whetstone Twp.) where military rites will be conducted by the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

Memorial contribution can be made payable to Bucyrus Seventh-Day Adventist Church and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Don’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.