William H. Clark, 89, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at his home.
He was born April 20, 1935, in Hersman, Illinois, son of Lyle and Helen (Lenz) Clark. He was raised and educated in Mt. Sterling, Il and later Galesburg, IL, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1953. He later attended Carl Sandburg College and the Diocese of Peoria for 3 years.
Will served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959.
Will married Alice E. Cokel on October 29, 1955 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Monmouth and she survives.
He was an Outlying Troubleman Lineman for the Illinois Power Company for over 37 years before his retirement in 1999.
Will was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and became an ordained deacon in 1979. He served as concelebrant and minister of the Gospel, Cursillo, TECH and preached during masses at Immaculate Conception, St. Patrick’s in Raritan, Il, St. Teresa’s in Alexis, IL and St. Andrew’s in Oquawka, IL, where he baptized over 90 children and performed over 15 weddings. He also taught RCIA, was on the Financial Committee, substitute teacher, and for 35 years he visited shut-ins and sick parishioners. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Special Olympics, Relay for Life and was very active with Rock Steady at the Monmouth YMCA along with many other organizations and church functions.
Survivors include his wife; daughters, Antoniette (John) Eckley of Bloomington, IL, Stephanie Clark of Bartonville, IL, Victoria (Andy) Jackson of Monmouth, and Josephine Clark of Monmouth; his son, Christopher Clark of Lutz, FL; 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; his sister, Ruth A. Olson of Galesburg, IL; his brothers, Robert Clark of Cadillac, MI and Charles E. Clark of Abingdon, IL. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sons, John Edward Clark, Anthony William Clark and Randall Paul Clark; brothers, Richard Clark and Gerald Clark; sisters, Barbara Sloan and Marjorie Hawk; his in-laws Victor and Irene Cokel.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:30 am, Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Monmouth, IL. A Rosary Service will be held at 4:00 pm, Friday, March 28, 2025 followed by Visitation until 7:00 p.m. at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Monmouth. Memorials may be given to Immaculate Conception School or the Rock Steady Program at the Monmouth YMCA and sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
