Floyd R. Clark

Floyd R. Clark was a man of dedication. He was proudly committed to his family, his country, and his friends. His quick wit and caring nature always made for a fun time, and his patriotism and perseverance stand as a reminder to all that there is no better way to show love than by dedication. Archie McKinley and Rose Hilda (Schaab) Clark were delighted at the birth of their second son, Floyd, on June 26, 1923. He was born in the family house on Prospect Street in Muskegon Heights and delivered by Dr. Delcourt. Floyd learned early on that there were benefits to being a hard worker. His father was a self-taught mechanic and his mother a homemaker, seeing that Floyd and his older brother Archie were well taken care of. Floyd remembered walking up and down the railroad tracks with his brother to find any piece of coal or wood to burn to help his family stay warm during the Depression. Born a large young lad, Floyd's neighbor across the street nicknamed him "Fat" when she saw him! Floyd and his friends enjoyed a playful childhood together, involving themselves in a healthy amount of mischief through their youth. Floyd was learning responsibility at a young age as well, buying his own paper route at 13 and pedaling papers so he could purchase a red "balloon tire" bicycle from Montgomery Wards: he was so proud of that bike. Floyd worked at the State Theater on 3rd Street during high school and attended Muskegon High School three and a half years; quitting and working at Continental Motors while waiting for the draft. While in high school, Floyd was well known for his skills as a hockey player, always ready for a challenge on the ice as he practiced with the other "rink rats" at the Mart Dock. He played center on the team, and even kept his ice skates for years to come. He was invited to play for exhibition in a professional minor league, but needed to move on to the workplace instead of serious pursuit of hockey. He didn't skate much once he started working, but could show the high schoolers some good moves even into his forties. Leaving high school in 1943, Floyd bravely went into the Army National Guard, serving in the difficult battles of WWII. He was in Infantry 136, the 33rd Division, serving in Guam, the Philippines, New Guinea and Japan. He was a decorated soldier, serving "down under" for 2 and 1/2 years before his honorable discharge. Floyd was eager to share his patriotism with others, and willingly stood by his country in order to protect common ideals of freedom and liberty. Although he was in the army when he was quite young, it was this type of dedication that Floyd would be so well known for as an adult, passing on this wisdom for generations to come. Once he was out of the Service, Floyd went to work at Goebel Brewery before applying for jobs at both Keene Kaydon Corporation and Continental the same day. Although he had seniority at Continental, he took the job at Kaydon because he couldn't believe how nice and clean it was in comparison. Floyd became a Machinist for Kaydons and worked a long, industrious career. Returning from the Service was also the point at which his life would be changed by love. In those days, it was common to race cars on public streets, which was where he was introduced to Betty Jean Taylor on Broadway out of Muskegon Heights. Betty's sister's boyfriend introduced the couple, and the two were inseparable immediately. Floyd laughed at the nickname Betty was given by her siblings: "Felix the Cat" because she would commonly slip out of her upper bedroom window and shimmy down the tree to get into mischief and see Floyd. They dated for a while before finally deciding to elope to South Bend, Indiana and were married on May 14, 1949. This was the beginning of a beautiful life together. Floyd and Betty were everything to each other, and it was noted by all who had the privilege to witness it that there was no greater devotion than Floyd's devotion to his Betty Jean. They decided to extend their love by becoming adoptive parents to three wonderful children. Their children Mark, Melissa, and Matthew all came from different families and had different needs, but one thing was always the same--that they were shown every bit of love Floyd and Betty could give them. They were very dedicated parents, and loved to take the family up to their summer home in Rothbury or at their grandparent's cabin in Petosky. The family traveled to Cedar Point every year once the kids became older, and many trips were made to Las Vegas. Floyd loved to spend time with his family, and would pass this sentiment on to his children. Floyd retired in 1985, and enjoyed several years of wintering in Punta Gorda, Florida. There, they hosted kids and many friends until they began having grandchildren and wanted to stay in Muskegon near them. Floyd's heart was broken when his beloved Betty passed away February 24, 2007, after the couple had been happily married for 57 years. Although devastated, Floyd was able to carry on when he reminded himself of his loving family. Throughout his life, Polish food was Floyd's absolute favorite! And he loved to spend his afternoons golfing, fishing for bluegill, or bowling where he won several awards for his skill. He was known for having "colorful" language, which paralleled his reputation as a crazy driver, always zipping his way to his next adventure without letting anyone else stand in his way. He took pride in his lawn, inspecting every inch to see that his grass was growing just right and had the perfect shade of green. As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Floyd served as an usher most of his adult life and shared his faith with his family. He was a life member of the Don Rea VFW Post #8846. Floyd's son Matt was his buddy and theirs was a special relationship his entire life. After a long and courageous battle, Floyd passed away at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing late in the evening on Thursday, May 7, 2009. He was 85. A light to his family and friends, Floyd will be remembered as a man who stood up for what he believed. As he commonly stated, "If you value your freedom, thank a vet." Floyd was one such vet who protected freedom through his dedication and hard work. He will be so deeply missed. Floyd R, Clark is survived by sons Mark (Catharine) Clark of Laingsburg MI, Melissa Clark of Roosevelt Park; Matthew (Christine) Clark of Fruitport; grandchildren, Drey, Justin, Alyssa, Ezekiel, Connor, O. Isabella, Cammie, Gabriel, Emmanuel; great granddaughter, Kelsey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean in 2007 & brother, Archie. Services will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas Brown officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Military Rites will be preformed by the Don Rea V.FW Post #8846. Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or the American Cancer Society. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.