Steven Clark

Steven Clark was born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. His family first lived in Urbandale until his elementary school years, then moved to Wattles Park. He attended Harper Creek Middleand High School. His mother, Judith, worked as an accountant for Kellogg's, and his father, Gerald, worked for Clark Equipment. From them, Steve learned the values of self-reliance and pursuing one’s passions with intensity.

Family and friendship were always at the heart of the Clark household. Steve grew up in a generation of kids who played ball, rode bikes, and stayed outside until the streetlights came on—or until Dad got home. He had fond memories of exploring the woods, building forts, and playing “Cowboys and Indians” with his friends.

As a teenager, Steve helped his dad build a 1932 Ford into a hot rod. He eventually got grounded for racing it down the road—but he never lost his love for cars or mechanics. In high school, he excelled in art and mechanical drafting. He and his best friend, Mike Hankey, even won a state championship in the subject. Steve graduated from Harper Creek High School in 1968.

After graduation, Steve and Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy together on the "Buddy Plan." A deferment allowed them to attend Ferris State University for a year and a half before reporting to Great Lakes Naval Base in December 1969. The Buddy Plan landed them in the Navy band, though Mike could play an instrument, Steve could not! Immediately after boot camp, Steve married his high school sweetheart. They were stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, where their daughter Michaele Lynn was born in 1972. His first tour of duty took him to the Mediterranean aboard the USS Chilton, where he served as an engineman on the commander's boat crew. His second tour was in the Caribbean, and he finished his Navy career working aboard a tugboat, guiding large ships into Norfolk Harbor. He was honorably discharged in 1973 and returned to Battle Creek.

Back home, Steve worked at Post Foods while attending Kellogg Community College. During this time, life shifted—he divorced and found work in Kalamazoo designing and manufacturing machines for battery production. It was also during this season that he began attending Oakland Drive Church of Christ, where he met Kathy Miller.

Steve and Kathy grew close while working together with His House Christian Fellowship on Western Michigan University's campus. Steve gave his life to the Lord—and his heart to the next Mrs. Clark. They were married on July 2, 1978.

In 1980, Steve began his career as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. That same year, he and Kathy welcomed their daughter, Sarabeth Charity. Over the next decade, their family grew to include Seth Andrew (1982), Rebekah Marie (1984), Jared Levi (1986), and Samuel Quinton (1989). Their son Seth went to be with the Lord in 1983. Their family continued to grow exponentially, and Steve became the “Papa” of 15 grandchildren.

Steve had a deep love for working with wood and crafted beautiful coat hangers and pieces for friends and family. With the help of friends, he built the family home and even helped construct the church building where they were founding members.

His involvement in the church was lifelong and wholehearted. He served as a Bible class teacher, deacon, and eventually an elder. For many years, he volunteered on the faculty team for junior and senior high weeks at church camp—investing in the spiritual growth of young people.

Steve was an avid outdoorsman with a deep appreciation for nature and adventure. He especially loved ice fishing, often heading out after a full day of delivering mail. In the fall, he looked forward to deer hunting in the cornfields behind the family farmhouse. Steve also had a thrill- seeking side, he loved rollercoasters, and the family spent many joyful summers camping and visiting Cedar Point together. A passionate golfer, Steve, even crafted custom clubs for himself and others, and later enjoyed the camaraderie of a senior golf league.

Steve also had a passion for cooking and good food. Some of his favorite meals included shrimp and other seafood, and especially a well-seasoned, tomahawk steak smoked on his Pit Boss pellet grill. His signature dish was his homemade spaghetti with meat sauce—always made from scratch.

People were often amazed by the sheer range of things Steve could do or fix. He was a lifelong learner, a man of many talents, and a servant’s heart. More than anything, Steve wanted people to love the Lord and bring more of His kingdom to the world. One of his favorite sayings was, “Remember whose you are.”

Words that describe Steve best include loyal, faithful, industrious, curious, passionate, and loving. His life was a testimony of purpose, service, and unwavering love—for God, for his family, and for the people whose lives he touched.

Steven was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Kathleen, and their five children: Michaele (Mark) Mason, Sarabeth (Kevin) Parido, Rebekah (Jonathan) Alderman, Jared (Jennifer) Clark, and Samuel (Courtney) Clark. He was the cherished grandfather of fifteen: Makenna Mason, Michael (Mollie) Mason, Lukas, Liam, Landon, and Larkin Parido, Seth, Elijah, Jacqueline, and Thea Alderman, Linkon and Lillian Clark, and Carter and Emmett Clark. He is also survived by his sister, Gerri Sue Clark; several in-laws; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Judith Clark, and his first-born son, Seth Andrew.

Steven’s life was one of quiet service, steady faith, and deep love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 4 PM at The River Church in Kalamazoo with a meal to follow. Interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Monday, July 14, at 10 AM.

Celebrate Steven’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.