Richard Edward Clark, 73, passed away on October 15, 2026, leaving a profound emptiness in the lives of those who loved him. A devoted husband, father, Papa, and friend, he was the person his family counted on, the one who would build it, fix it, or find a way. They will remember him with laughter through their tears and the certainty that they were fiercely loved.

Richard's heart belonged to Nancy, his wife of 45 years and the love of his life. They found happiness simply being together, sharing the everyday moments that quietly became a lifetime. She was his closest companion, his comfort, and the person he wanted beside him through whatever life brought. Their love was woven into the life they built and the countless small ways they cared for each other. For Richard, home was wherever Nancy was.

Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, bringing that same discipline and determination to everything he pursued. A graduate of Davis College, he was a true entrepreneur and businessman who built a successful career in management and finance before becoming a business owner of his own.

Richard's fierce spirit found a home on the water, where he built and raced hydroplanes, including the S-123 Puddle Jumper. He placed third in the 1992 Mid-American Championship Hydroplane Series S Class standings and helped the team earn back-to-back runner-up finishes in 1993 and 1994, finishing just six points shy of the 1993 championship.

On the football field, Richard was Coach Clark, bringing his competitive spirit and love for his players to sidelines across the region. He coached junior high, high school, and semi-professional football at McCord Junior High, Bowsher High School, Sylvania Northview High School, the Ohio Rush, Southern Michigan Timberwolves, and Toledo Thunder. He even took his place on a Hollywood sideline, appearing as a coach in the football scene in Red Dawn. When it came to cheering from his own seat, the Ohio State Buckeyes had no bigger fan.

To his children, Richard was Dad, their protector, strength, and guiding presence. He led them, stood beside them, and offered direct, honest advice without a trace of sugarcoating. They always knew where he stood and that he was in their corner. No matter how old they grew, there was comfort in knowing they could turn to Dad.

To his grandbabies, he was Papa, and they knew just how much they could get away with. There was nearly always a grandchild at the house, candy tucked in his desk, an extra chair beside him, and room for whatever they needed. The tough man so many knew had a special softness for the grandchildren who brought him immeasurable joy. They were Papa's babies.

Richard cherished the friendships he built throughout his life, and those who earned a place in his heart remained there. His weekly lunches with his best friend, John, were a treasured tradition filled with conversation, laughter, and the comfort of an enduring friendship.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his children, Nathan, Michael (Laura), Sara (Jerry), Daniel, and Jenny (Zach); and his cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Ayden, Evan, Lizzy, Aislyn, McKenzie, and Sophia. He also leaves behind dear friends, former players, and his children's lifelong friends who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley; his father, Richard; and his granddaughter, Blakley Jean.

Richard's family will gather privately to honor his life. A celebration of life will follow at a later date, bringing together those who knew and loved him. Details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.

His love will live on in every chapter and across every page still to be written, carried forward by a family forever proud of the man he was, honored to bear his legacy, and grateful beyond words that they were his and he was theirs.