Raymond Hatfield Clark

Raymond Hatfield Clark, age 89, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep, January
20, 2021. Ray was a veteran US Army and achieved the rank of Private First Class while
stationed in Alaska. He was recognized as a sharpshooter and was later active in the Thornville
Post 51 Amvets Colorguard for many years. He retired from Western Electric as a tool-and-die
maker.
Raymond is preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years Sara Lee Glover Clark; his parents,
Newton Hatfield and Florine Clark; his brothers James Clark (MaryAnn), David Clark, and Donald
Clark.
Raymond is survived by his daughters Christine Caldwell, Kelly Brock (Ted), and Christine Greely
(Michael); his sister Patricia Wilburn (Herb) and special sister-in-law Sue (David) Clark; his
grandchildren, Jennette Lawson (Greg), Allison Herrera, Mandy Mongolier (Cole Bragg),
Mathew O'Brien (Jenny), Ashley Ray Hatfield O'Brien (Tiffany); Carly Smith (Charles), Kayla Neal
(Steven Rhodes), Joel Greely, and Shelly Hessler (Vernon). Ray and Sara were very proud to
share 20 great grandchildren. Ray is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
As a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle to so many he will be incredibly missed.
For years, Sara and Ray hosted many family gatherings where grandkids could rely on Grandpa
to take them out on the pontoon boat or hang out in the pole barn for hours. He would
somehow work in a life lesson for anyone with sharp enough ears to catch his succinct words.
He would share wisdom in a down to earth, no- nonsense manner often times with a glint in his
eyes and a flash of quick-witted, mischievous humor. His wise words would leave some
nodding in agreement while others were left temporarily baffled and speechless. He would
follow up with a muted smile and an “alright” and that meant the conversation was over.
Ray left a strong impression on anyone who met him. He was a strong pillar to his family and,
together with Sara, he relentlessly sought quality time with his family. Many family gatherings
included playing pool, boat rides, lots of nuts and other snacks, a fire pit, and serious football
viewings in the pole barn. There was plenty of blue mountain Coors Light and soda to be
shared, as long as visitors properly rinsed and crushed their cans afterwards. Many Sundays
Ray would cook Porter House steaks on the grill and insisted no one needed utensils or plates
for this. Many great grandchildren fondly remember the way he passed out candy and on
birthdays, he handed out dollar bills one by one in accordance with the number of years they
had racked up.
An avid OSU fan, Ray would make others laugh with his cheerleader impersonation complete
with pom poms. He was also known for his ever-present white t-shirt, gold chain and tan
muscles. He spoke often about the importance of his healthy regimen which included: one
hundred sit ups, one hundred push-ups, one hundred curls on each arm, one hour on the bike
and a minimum of one beer every day.

Ray’s family welcomes memorial contributions to be made to Hospice of Fairfield County. In
Ray’s words, he will “catch you on the rebound”. A service will take place at a later date when
more friends and family are able to gather and share memories of Ray.