Obituary
Rushville- Richard L. Clark, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
Friends may call Monday (July 24th) from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Kenneth J. Perkins Funeral Home in Gorham. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday (July 25th) at 2 p.m. at the Rushville Congregational Church. A private burial will be in Rushville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rushville Lions Club, P.O. Box 113, Rushville, NY 14544.
Richard was born to the late Herbert Ashley Clark and Marjorie Lucille Smith Clark.
Richard was a family man, who cherished his entire family more than anything. Farming was his life. He was raised on a farm, raised his children on the farm, and taught his “grands” and “great-grands” the joys of farming.
Richard bought his very own family farm at 19 years old, and farmed until the moment he left this world.
Richard was active in 4-H, FFA and the Rushville Lions Club (for 30+ years). He was one of Whitman’s biggest fans. He enjoyed watching football, and basketball especially. His family ran the “chain gang” at home Varsity Football games since the beginning of time (since the early 70’s at Gorham High School. Richard was a prominent member of the Mennonite Community as a friend, supporter and driver.
Richard is survived by four children, Keith (Jo-Ann) Clark, Connie (Carl) Barnhardt, Marsha (Michael) Lazarus and Dale Clark; 7 grandchildren, Sarah Jo Lazarus, Christopher (Karen) Clark, Andrea (Tony) McNeil, Gwen (Darrell) Winkler, Jason (Tiffany) Barnhardt, Tiffany Barnhardt and Kara Clark; 12 great-grandchildren; four sisters; two brothers; and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was predeceased by his loving wife, Josephine Clark; grandson, Devin Clark; and siblings, Gordon Clark and Betty Thayer.
Please visit www.kenperkinsfuneralhome.com to send a condolence to the Clark family.
Services
Visitation
Kenneth J. Perkins Funeral Home
Main Street, Gorham
Memorial Service
Rushville United Methodist Church
North Main Street, Rushville
Condolences
Sharyn Deal from Dickson, Tn on Jul. 22, 2023
We are heartbroken for everyone who loved him. I am glad I got to see him at Ashley’s wedding. I have so many great memories of Uncle Dick. He will be terribly missed. He used to call me chipmunk and he was always so sweet to me. I won’t be able to come to his service as I can’t get away from work but I will be with you all in spirit. May all of our memories be eternal.
Karen Lahue from Canandaigua NY on Jul. 22, 2023
Sending love and hugs to the entire Clark family.❤️
Bruce Smith from Buffalo on Jul. 22, 2023
Mary Lou and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to all of the extended Clark family. We were shocked when my brother Wayne told us he had just seen Richard a few weeks ago and remarked how well he seemed to be. I have have lots of fond memories of the Smith-Francisco-Clark cousins' birthday and holiday celebrations we enjoyed during our growing up days.
Hopefully, Wayne and Allen will be able to join Richard's family and friends for the celebration of his well-lived life.
Tim Dennis from Penn Yan, NY on Jul. 22, 2023
Richard was one of my first and most loyal clients. I watched his and Jo's children grow up on the farm. He was a caring cowman but an even more caring father and citizen. I will not be able to make the service. My and Dawn's expressions of sorrow and loss to the entire family.
Deborah Gonzalez from Ontario NY on Jul. 22, 2023
My heart goes out to all the family. Mr Clark always showed me such kindness. I will always remember him with love. Rest in
Peace dear man.
Marlene Button from Rushville, NY on Jul. 23, 2023
I was so sorry to learn of Dick's passing. He and Dad could talking farming and Whitman basketball for hours.
Sharon Simmons Bailey from Williamsburg, Virginia on Jul. 23, 2023
I have so many FOND MEMORIES of DICK from our younger years. When we lived in Potter I remember going to stay with him and Jo and I was always amazed how large his dairy farm was. They would take little time away from chores but managed to make it to family weddings. His commitment to help friends, neighbors, community and family will never be forgotten!
Sending my LOVE and CONDOLENCES TO EACH OF YOU.
Wish I could be there with you.
MY BLESSINGS ALWAYS,
SHARON& JIM SIMMONS BAILEY
Carl Adams from Shortsville, NY on Jul. 23, 2023
My deepest sympathies to the Clark family for their loss. I have fond memories of Dick. I helped work on the family farm as a teenager, bringing in the hay and straw. They all made me feel like I was a member of their family. I have known Dick since I was a little boy. I spent many years hunting with the Clarks on their land. I am very grateful to have known Dick and I consider him a dear friend.