Obituary of Charles M. Clark

Charles M. Clark, age 87 of Ransomville died Monday February 18, 2013 in Our Lady of Peace Nursing Care Residence in Lewiston, after a lengthy illness. Charles was born May 2, 1925 in Youngstown, the son of the late Charles A. and Mabel (Warner) Clark and was a graduate of Youngstown High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1943 and had trained as a radioman. Upon completion of radio school Charles went on to Direction Finding School and became a Radio Direction Finder Operator attached to the North Atlantic Area of Air-Sea Rescue. He was honorably discharged with the rank of RM3c in April of 1946 and was the recipient of the American Ribbon and WW II Victory Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal. On May 3, 1947 he married Lois B. Drinkwalter. Lois predeceased him on May 17, 2008. Charles was a heavy equipment operator for the NYS Dept. of Transportation for 23 years, retiring in 1988. He also drove bus for the Ransomville Bus Lines for 13 years. Charles was a member of the Warren Corners United Methodist Church, the American Legion O. Leo Curtiss Post #830 in Ransomville, and the NRA. An avid hunter and fisherman, Charles worked extra jobs to afford his hunting trips to Colorado, Wyoming, New England and the sub arctic regions of Quebec. He is survived by his daughters, Wendy S. (William) Gordon of Bedford, VA and Betsy (John) Strzelczyk of Niagara Falls; 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; a sister, Viola Clark of Niagara on the Lake, Ontario; a daughter in law, Diane Clark of Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Daniel A. Clark; a daughter, Sherry Lee Clark and two brothers, Thomas and George Clark. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Thursday from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 PM. Funeral Services will be held Friday, February 22, at 11:00 AM in the Warren Corners United Methodist Church, 5293 Stone Rd., Lockport, with the Rev. John Loeser officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in North Ridge Cemetery, Cambria. Memorials may be made to the Ransomville Vol. Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, PO Box 239, Ransomville, NY 14131 or to Save a Pet, P.O. Box 1114, Newfane, NY14108