Obituary: Clark, Charles Newell
Age 88
CLARK,
Charles Newell
Charles Newell Clark, age 88, was born in Crofton, Nebraska to parents Riley Lewis Clark and Faye Elmira Whiting on September 5, 1923, the second of four children.
He graduated from Yankton High School, Yankton, SD and Grand Island Business College, Grand Island, NE.
He served with the 490th Quartermaster Company attached to the 101st Airborne Division during WWII, dropping supplies on frontline positions.
He proudly told the story of saving a young P51 pilot who, out of fuel, could not find the blacked out airfield below.
Dad grabbed a jeep and a flare, and circumnavigated the Cherbourg field until the pilot safely landed.
After the war, Charles met and married the love of his life, Glenda Ruth Spelhaug, an elementary school teacher.
They lived in Chehalis, WA where they raised four children and were active members of Peace Lutheran Church.
He loved fishing the many rivers of western Washington for steelhead and salmon, and playing baseball with his kids.
Charles spent his career in the agricultural banking industry, which took the family to Spokane in 1963.
They purchased a home on Spirit Lake, ID where he continued his love of fishing, and taught numerous kids to waterski.
They were active members of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Spokane during this time.
Charles retired in 1983 and discovered international travel.
They also became “snowbirds”, spending their winters in Apache Junction, AZ and learning to love golf.
Due to age and health reasons they settled full time in Spokane in 2010.
Charles and Glenda recently moved to Legacy Gardens of Spokane, and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary shortly before his death on June 9, 2012, surrounded by loving wife and four children.
His presence in their lives will be greatly missed.
Charles was cared for by Hospice of Spokane and by the Bishop family and staff of Legacy Gardens of Spokane, to whom his family wishes to express their sincere gratitude.
He will be laid to rest at Toledo Cemetery, Toledo, WA on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 1:00 pm.
Charles is survived by his wife Glenda, son Chuck (Laurie) Clark, Spokane, daughters Karen (Fred) Hollon, Spokane, Jeanne (Robert) Blue, Kirkland, Carla (Eric) Alsid, Auburn, and sister Anne (Emile) Morin, Lake Havasu City, AZ as well as six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, may we suggest that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, PO Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.