Ardean Roy Clark

Deacon Ardean Roy Clark, of Buchanan, MI, passed away on June 11, 2026 peacefully in his sleep under the prayers of loved ones.

Born on March 26, 1941 in Essex, MO, he was the proud son of Rev. Theodore Sr. and Bernice Clark. As the eighth child, in a large bustling family, and as an absolutely adorable baby, he was affectionately given the nickname of “Doll” by his older sister that stayed with him through life. Ardean graduated from East High School in Howardsville, MO where he played baseball with excellence and pride.

Ardean moved from Missouri to Chicago, IL where he was blessed to have three children. He eventually settled in Buchanan, MI when he married the love of his life, Barbara Bobbitt after meeting and dating for only four months. They were blessed to be married for 39 years until her passing in 2010. From their union, they had three additional children. Never delineating between who belonged to who. They were just family. His blended family always functioned as one unit. Ardean remained in Buchanan through the end of his life living with his daughter, Kyra, who served as his faithful caregiver to the end. 

Ardean was a man who was never afraid of a hard day's work. He prided himself on being a provider and a steadfast example to his family. He emphasized the importance of working hard and being the type of person that people could depend on. He spent many years working for South Shore Railway in Michigan City, IN and later for Bosch Automotive in Saint Joseph, MI until his well-earned retirement in 2004. During retirement, Ardean spent his days doing his favorite activity, gardening. Ardean was known for sharing the bounty of his hard work be it tomatoes, peppers, pole beans, or the cleanest picked greens this side of Zion. Even after his stroke, Ardean could be seen tending to his tomato and pepper plants from his wheelchair, checking on them daily with all the pride a true farmer could muster.

Ardean was a founding member of his local church, Saint Matthews Missionary Baptist Church, where he held such offices as Head Deacon, Superintendent of Sunday School, Trustee, and at the end of his life’s journey, Senior Deacon. He prided himself on taking care of the needs of the church, not because he was asked, but he was a firm believer in being of service to God and His people. He instilled in each of his children to live life in service of others as they faithfully served God. He will be remembered for his work ethic, dedication to caring for others, his infectious laughter, and how he loved his family. He was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, and friend who will be deeply missed.
Ardean was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Theodore Sr. and Bernice Clark; his siblings, Theopolis Clark Sr., Lee Clark, James Clark, Herman Clark, Lorene McKeller, Darlene Clark, and Gloria Jean Adams; wife, Barbara Clark; and son, Ardean “Roy” Clark Jr. 

He is survived by his siblings, Rev. Theodore Clark Jr. of St. Louis , MO, Margaret McGee-McDonald of Chicago, IL, Charles (Hattie) Clark of Leawood, KS, David Clark of Chicago, IL, and Linda Roston of Lilbourn, MO; brother in-law Leroy (Andrea) Bobbitt Jr.; five children, Adrienne Clark of Beavercreek, OH, Anthony Clark of Chicago, IL, Kyra Clark of Buchanan, MI, Landon (Cassandra) Clark of Castro Valley, CA, and Bernice (Anthony) Patterson of Portage, MI; eight grandchildren, Devine Jackson, DeCoven Herb III, Xavier Clark, Alexander Clark, Donovan Patterson, Grayson Patterson, and Hayden Patterson; a special “son” Greg Pitchford; and one godchild and two god-grandchildren, Otho (Mayleigh) Farrow Jr., Jeremiah Farrow, and Serayah Farrow. 

Funeral services for Deacon Clark will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Saint Matthews Baptist Church, 123 Bluff St. Buchanan, MI. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026 at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Palmer Funeral Home – Hoven Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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