Clark, John Robert

John Robert Clark

John Robert Clark “Poncho” died at home with his family in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday, June 19, 2010.

John was born on Sept. 29, 1929, in Denver, Colo., the son of John H. and Lola (Cornthwaite) Clark. He grew up in Colorado and Iowa, where he graduated in 1947 from Marion High School in Marion, Iowa. He joined the U.S. Navy out of high school and served as an electronics technician until he retired from the service in 1968. He later worked for the U.S. State Department and government contracting firms until he fully retired in 1994. In the course of his working career, John lived in and visited many countries, including Japan, the Azores, Turkey and Lebanon. On July 23, 1976, while living in Fukuoka, Japan, John married Junko Ikuta. She was the love of his life and they were devoted to each other for over 33 years. They enjoyed their lives together, living in Japan, and Oak Harbor, Wash., before settling in Hanford, Calif., in 1984. John loved the game of golf and played whenever he got the chance. He enjoyed traveling anywhere with Junko and loved his family. When Junko died in December 2009, the twinkle left John's eyes and he was ready when the end came to follow her.

John is survived by his sons, John (Karen) Clark-Hansen and Jay Clark, both of Iowa, and Jeff Clark of Idaho; his grandchildren, Josh Clark, Meagan Clark-Hansen and Julian Clark; his sisters, Vivian Lambert and Shirley Keal of Florida, Mary Lou Ross of Colorado; his brothers- and sister-in-law in Japan, Toshiaki Ikuta, Yoshiaki Abe, Kenji Ikuta, and Toshiko Anami; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Among his dear friends he especially counted Atsuko and Bob Stretch of Oak Harbor, Wash., and Yeti and Jess Ortiz of Hanford, Calif.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Fern Coonrod; and his brother, George “Herbie” Clark.

Per John's request, there will be no service. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion.

Condolences may be sent to the family at 3201 Bever Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Donations may be sent to St. Luke's Hospice, 1026 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA. 52402; Adventist Hospice, 460 Kings County Dr., Suite 101, Hanford, CA 93230 or to the charity of your choice.

Please sign the online guest book for John at   under obituaries.