Retired Elkhart Police Officer, John Allen Clark, 76, of Lakeland, Florida and formerly of Elkhart, passed away May 31, 2023, at Lake Gibson Village Health & Rehabilitation, Lakeland, FL where he resided this past year due to declining health. John was born on January 22, 1947, in Elkhart, to the late Lester A. and Barbara (Hoover) Clark. John married Linda Eby on the first of October 1987. They were best friends and soulmates for 35 wonderful years, and they traveled most every year, often with, and to be with, family or friends. Together they often volunteered their time. He was a soft spoken man, with good judgement of character, and known for his witticisms. John being a huge history buff, they traveled to many battlefields, historic sites, museums, and National Parks; many miles were put on their beloved motorhome. John was the Elkhart PD Historian for many years and devoted many hours to public awareness. He served on the Elkhart Airshow Board for many years. John enjoyed nothing more than a good conversation over a cup of coffee.

After graduating from Elkhart High School in 1965, John attended Indiana State University and the Indiana Police Academy. He proudly served as an Elkhart City Police Officer for 28 ½ years from 1969-1997, before retiring. John's family roots ran deep in serving Elkhart on both sides of the family. His grandfather, David M. Hoover was Mayor 1926-1930 & Postmaster 1932-1936; his father, Les, retired after 20 years as an EPD officer and then was City surveyor.

John had attended Central Christian Church and was a member of Faith United Methodist. He and Linda were very proud of their "blended family."  Survivors include daughters Jennifer (Robert) Bowe of Goshen, Stacy (Joseph) Marshall of Palmyra IN, a son Ernie (Erica) Aaron of Chapin SC, his brother Randy Clark of Elkhart; and seven awesome grandchildren, whom he cherished. John was preceded in death by his son Jason A. Clark, sister Cynthia (Clark) Waddell and former wife Ashley (Ullery) Clark.

A celebration of life service is being held at The Gathering Place at Centre 1231. This is the northernmost building on the grounds of Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St, Elkhart. Friends and family may call 2 hours prior to the 11:00 a.m. service on Saturday, July 22, 2023. Family members will preside. Services will conclude with honors rendered by the Elkhart Police Department Honor Guard. A meal will follow the service at the same location. Private family burial of John's cremated remains will be in Rice Cemetery on July 24, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John's name are kindly requested to: The Community Foundation of Elkhart County for Friends of Local Police.

Make checks payable to: Community Foundation of Elkhart County for FOLP.

Give Online: https://www.inspiringgood.org/give-online/ (select Friends Of Local Police).

Condolences may be made online at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

Community Foundation of Elkhart County
PO Box 2932, Elkhart IN 46515
Tel: 1-574-295-8761
Email: Info@InspiringGood.org
Web: https://www.inspiringgood.org/give-online/