James Daniel Clark

James Daniel Clark James Daniel Clark, 62,of Franklin, passed away at 9:14 p.m. at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, after a 2 year battle with various health issues. Born May 13, 1949 in Franklin, Dan was the son of the late James D. and Shirley Kelly Clark. He was married October 21, 1972 to the former Debra Sue Green and she survives. Dan graduated from Cranberry High School in 1967, where he was best known for his athletic ability on the basketball court. He later attended Slippery Rock University on a Basketball Scholarship. He began his employment with Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company in 1969, working his way up the ladder until he retired in January, 2009, after 40 years of service. He was a member of the National Guard Army Reserves. Dan was a member of Nicklin United Methodist Church; Myrtle Lodge #316 (he joined on September 18, 1973); Cyrus Chapter #236 in Oil City - High Priest 1980; Occident Counsel #41 - Thrice Illustrious Master 1984; Franklin Commandry #44 - Commander 1990. He had been involved with the Venango County 4-H Program since 1981. He was a 4-H leader, served on the Venango County Fair Board, and received the "Venango County Outstanding 4-H Leadership" Award in 1998. He loved camping, four-wheeling, golfing, shooting, and raising horses with his family. Dan enjoyed attending horse shows and watching his family compete. He especially enjoyed watching his granddaughter, Megan, ride her ponies. In addition to his wife, Dan is survived by his son, James Devon Clark of Sandy Lake, and his fiancee', Sarah Faivre, of Meadville; and his daughter, Shannon Anderson and her husband, Jeff; and his granddaughter, Megan Anderson, all of Utica. He is also survived by his brothers, Frank B. Clark of Oil City, and Mitchell L. Clark and his wife, Linda, of Franklin; and his sister, Leslie A. Clark, of Franklin. He is additionally survived by his seven nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Darlene Green. Family and friends of Dan will be received at the Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, on Saturday, October 29, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2011, with Rev. Stephanie Thompson, pastor of Nicklin United Methodist Church, officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Venango County Humane Society - PO Box 1045, Oil City PA 16301; and/or the Venango County 4-H Horse Barn Fund. To send condolences, flowers and cards, or for more information, people are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.