Obituary of Fletcher Earl Clark

Fletcher Earl Clark, Sr., at the seasoned age of 91, made his transition February 21, 2020 at T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care in Dallas, Texas. Fletcher, Sr. was born September 24, 1928 in Peoria, IL to Earl Fletcher and Daisy Elms Clarke. He had two brothers, Jack and John Henry and two sisters, Jeanie Townes and Pathenia Clarke. In 1952, Fletcher, Sr. married his beloved wife, Laura Jane Sears and to this union 5 children were born: Dennis, Douglas, Fletcher, Jr., Gary, and Nancy. In 1965, Fletcher, Sr. relocated his family from Pontiac, IL to Covert, MI and later to South Haven, MI. Fletcher, Sr., a long-standing pillar in the community of South Haven, was a veteran and served his country as an expert marksman in WWII. He was a member of the Local VFW. Fletcher, Sr. (affectionately known as Grandad) was a humorous storyteller at heart who loved his cars and cellphones. He often shared the wisdom gained through various life experiences growing up in Peoria, IL. One of his favorite topics of discussion was meeting his beloved wife. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and western movies, reading comics from the newspaper, driving to the beach, getting a fresh haircut, wearing a nice watch and ever so neatly hand-polished square toe dress shoes, as well as drinking milkshakes. His favorite hobby was engaging in CB radio communications with CB friends (his CB handle was “DOC”). Most importantly, he loved doing for others and spending quality time with his family. In 1957, Fletcher, Sr. was employed as the first black security guard at the Pontiac Correctional Facility in Illinois. Later, he dedicated himself to the medical profession as a Physician’s Assistant in South Haven, Watervliet, and Berrien Springs Hospitals for over 50 years. During his latter years, he became an Insurance Medical Examiner and maintained his credentials as a CPR instructor. Fletcher, Sr. is preceded in death by his son, Douglas Clark; brothers, Jack and John Henry; sister, Pathenia Clarke; and great grandson, Juwan Stevens. He leaves to cherish his memories: Laura Clark; children, Dennis, Fletcher, Jr. (Jill), Gary, Nancy (Robert); sister, Jeanie Townes; grandchildren: Dennis Jr., Deborah (Mike), Kenya (Dennie), Douglas, Fletcher, III, Courtni, Tamera (Felix), DeKwan, Tearni (Jermaine), Danyelle, Danica, DeTavion, Dominick, Christine, Alicia, Noah, Cera (Treshaunne), and Nia. In addition, he leaves to mourn a host of great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He will be truly missed.