Willis P. Clark

Willis P. Clark (Bill), 78, of Kettering, passed away on December 29, 2014, after a long illness. He was born in Indianapolis on Dec. 3, 1936, grew up in Thorntown, Indiana and graduated from Thorntown High School. In 1959, he graduated with a business degree from Indiana University. Following graduation, he moved to Dayton, Ohio and accepted a buyer's job at the Rike-Kumler Co. (later Shillito-Rikes, Lazarus and now Macys). He retired from Federated Department Stores after 32 years and worked as a certified real estate appraiser for many more years.

Bill had many interests. He was an avid horseman throughout his life and enjoyed trail riding his favorite horse, Jack, with many friends. He also enjoyed his volunteer work with the Therapeutic Riding Institute, a horse riding program for physically and mentally challenged young people. Woodworking projects and guitar playing were two of his other interests. He was a long time member of Normandy Methodist Church in Centerville, Ohio.

Preceded in death by his parents, Helen Pulliam Clark, Orville T. Clark, and step-mother Esther Smoot Clark, Bill is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jan; son Gregory (Yvonne); daughter Nancy Clark Irvine (Don); grandsons Zachary Irvine and Samuel Irvine; sister-in-law Joyce Ketron, niece Cynthia Ketron, and nephew Brian Ketron.

A heartfelt special thanks to Angie and Stephanie and staff of Brighton Gardens along with Hospice of Dayton for their compassionate care. Donations in Bill's memory can be made to the Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton, OH 45420; Alzheimer's Assoc, 31 W. Whipp Rd, Dayton, OH 45459; Normandy United Methodist Church, 450 W. Alex Bell Rd, Dayton OH 45459; or to Therapeutic Riding Institute, PO Box 750664, Dayton, OH 45475. A private service will be held for the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home South Chapel.