Charles Lawrence "Larry" Clark

Charles Lawrence “Larry” Clark, 91, crossed over peacefully, after a brief illness, on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Lakeview Assisted Living with grandchildren by his side.

Larry was born on June 9, 1934 in Muskegon, MI the son Charles Richard and Lorrene Madaline (Bright) Clark. He lived in Clark’s Corners Robinson Township near Grand Haven, MI until his father became the plant manager at the Oliver Corporation in 1935 and they moved to Battle Creek. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1952.

Larry graduated from Michigan State University in August 1958 and majored in Bank Administration. He started his banking career at the Michigan National Bank branch in the Frandor Plaza in East Lansing while going to college.

While attending high school he met Virginia Lee “Ginny” Zinn. They dated while she was going to the University of Michigan and he was at State. She transferred to State for her senior year. They married on November 24, 1956 at the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek and lived in married housing until Larry graduated.

A week after Larry graduated from college their first son Steven Lawrence was born. They moved back to Battle Creek to live with Larry’s parents until they bought their first home in the Meadows in Battle Creek Lakeview. Douglas Arden arrived three years after his brother Steve. Five years later Steve and Doug welcomed their brother Jeffrey Allen. Needing more space, they moved to a new house and subdivision in Battle Creek Lakeview on Chapel Hill Drive. In 2002, Larry and Ginny moved to a new condo located in Huntington Hills in Battle Creek, where they lived until Ginny passed in 2024.

Larry spent his career working in banking. Starting in East Lansing he transferred to the downtown Michigan National Bank Battle Creek branch. He worked his way up to the branch manager position and eventually the installment loan and commercial loan departments. He became the bank’s representative to the city. That position opened many doors, and he was President of the United Way in 1975 and Rotary Club President in 1976-77. He participated in the Lakeview Downtown Development group and was President of the First Congregational Church Council in 1977. He also served as an usher at the church.

After 34 years, Larry retired from Michigan National Bank. He then worked for six years at Southern Michigan Bank and Trust in Battle Creek, establishing and managing their first Battle Creek branch location. In that position he volunteered with the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce as a Chamber Ambassador and a S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Counselor advising business start-ups.

Starting in 1960, Larry enjoyed spending time hunting with some of his closest friends (who affectionately referred to him as Gears) on property owned by the outdoor organization, Black River Conservation Association, located between Kalkaska and Graying in northern lower Michigan. In 1974, Larry became a member of that organization and agreed to serve as Treasurer, holding that position for the next 20 years. In 1975, Larry and Ginny bought a log cabin on the property grounds. Larry cherished his time “Up North” with his family and friends and found solitude in the wilderness. For many years, Larry and his family also enjoyed vacationing in the summer with good friends at Bear Lake, located near the Black River organization property. Many of the friends from “Up North” became like extended family to Larry and his family.

Music was always a passion for Larry. He taught himself how to play the guitar and enjoyed playing and singing. He was a founding member and acoustic guitarist of the Folk Swingers. They played folk music at local venues in Battle Creek in the 1960’s. He reveled in playing with his sons Doug and Jeff and friends at the cabin. Another passion of Larry’s was golf. He was pleased to finally get a Hole In One in 2016 at the Riverside Golf Club. He also golfed and attended events at the Battle Creek Country Club, Cedar Creek and courses around the state. He enjoyed woodworking and had a shop set up in the basement of their condo. He would hang out with Steve in his garage shop and work on projects and swap tools.

In the 1970’s Larry and Ginny enjoyed summer trips to the Jack and Jill Ranch in Rothbury, Michigan. After retirement, they spent 15 years wintering in Englewood, Florida. They connected with friends from Michigan also in Florida. In Battle Creek they frequently went to lunch at the Lux Café and made a large circle of friends.

Following in his mother’s footsteps Larry served on the Board of Directors at Oak Hill Cemetery. He served for over 25 years and was one of longest standing members in the history of the cemetery. He held the official title of President, Treasurer, and staff relations, but he dedicated his services wherever they were needed. He will be interred there with Ginny, his parents, and Bright grandparents.

Larry is survived by his sons Steve (Jean) Clark, Doug (Nancy) Clark, Jeff (Danielle) Clark, grandchildren Jennifer (Matt) Johnson, Kelly (Chad) Green, Stephanie (Jason) McGraw, Trevor (Megan) Clark, Justin Clark and Megan Clark, great grandchildren Oliver McGraw, Vivian Green and Elliot Johnson. Brother-in-law Donald Arden (Margret) Zinn.

He was predeceased by both of his parents in 1993, his stillborn sister Phebe Joyce in 1931, and his wife of 67 years Ginny Clark in 2024.

There will be a Celebration of Larry's Life on Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Oak Hill Cemetery and/or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of Larry may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.