Harley Grant Clark

October 31, 2017

Service Details

Harley Grant Clark (age 90) passed away on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at Trinity Center in Luther Park where he was an Alzheimer’s patient. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Bonnie Sue (Clemenson) Clark; his parents, Alice May and Charles Frederick Clark; Siblings, Orvil, Delbert, Thurman, Ervin, Odessa, Marlin (Chuck), and Leon (Shorty); and children Bonnie and Connie Clark. He is survived by his sister, Helen Hubbard (Des Moines); daughter, Michelle Clark (Des Moines); son, David Clark (Nancy) (North Aurora, IL); and grandchildren Blaine Clark (Kristen) (Indian Trail, NC), and Adrienne Avery (Dan) (Tucker, GA).

Harley was born on March 2, 1927 in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from East High School in January, 1945 and was drafted into the US Army in March. He served in Negoiya, Osaka, and Yodo Japan as a mechanic at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was discharged on December 15, 1946.

Harley married Bonnie Clemenson on September 10, 1949. They had four children. Twins, Bonnie and Connie, were born and later died on October 2, 1950. A daughter, Michelle was born on May 11, 1952. His son, David, was born on April 16, 1955. Harley and Bonnie bought their home in 1954 and never moved. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines.

Harley worked a variety of jobs. While he was in high school he worked part time at Des Moines Burial Vault, helped his father paint houses, and delivered milk on weekends with his brother, Del. He also worked at National Milker making milking machines. He worked at Earl Canady’s Philips 66 Station on 42nd and University for about a year. He also worked a few months at Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company. Harley worked for Willard Rietveld Trucking, Jacobe Petroleum, Nenver Rietveld at Pulley Freight Line, and Des Moines Transportation. In 1958 Harley started working at Thermo King, Des Moines Company where we worked for 32 years on heating and refrigeration units on semi trailers. He retired on March 3, 1989.

After his retirement from Thermo King, Harley pursued several hobbies including golf and woodworking and continued to enjoy his passion for fishing. He was a member of the Des Moines Woodworker’s Club and has made several pieces of furniture for his children, grandchildren, and other family members.

Harley was a good man who loved his family and was respected by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2017 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 4th, also at the funeral home followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer's foundation.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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