Joe Wayman Clark

Sergeant E5 Joe Waymen Clark (Monkey Red) who often said that he has only one name because he was frequently and affectionately called “Joe-Clark”. On October 18, 1948 in Fayetteville TN “Joe-Clark” made his presence known to the world and his parents, the late Sammie and Odie Clark.

For a period of time Joe-Clark and his family lived in Chicago IL before his father moved them to Albion MI in 1954. He joined Lewis Chapel AME Church in Albion MI at the age of 9 years old where he faithfully attended over the years after moving back to the area from Virginia in the early 1990’s and as his health allowed.

As a Youngster he played guitar with his father and the popular Gospel Group “The Five Keys” who performed at many Church functions in Albion. Joe-Clark attended Albion Public Schools and Michigan State University in Lansing MI where he graduated with his Associates Degree. He was an avid Michigan State Fan and loved all sports. He especially enjoyed playing on softball teams with his “Homeboys” and watching football games.

Joe-Clark joined the US Armed Forces at age 18 and was a very proud Military Man. While serving in Viet Nam he was assigned as a “Sniper” in his Scout Platoon (“Recon Platoon”) responsible mainly for reconnaissance and sniper/counter sniper operations. Joining a Scout Platoon is usually accomplished by attending a unit run scout selection or being hand picked by one of the recon team leaders (an E-6). It is considered to be a specialty unit within the battalion that requires extensive training in advanced skills and the opportunity to attend more schools than just about anyone in the conventional Army so assignment to a scout platoon is highly sought after.

He had many intriguing stories to tell about his dangerous missions amongst the “Viet Cong” but you had to be a very close and trustworthy friend to hear them because he did not like to talk about that time period in his life. He earned the status of Sergeant E5 (Scout Assistant Team Leader (E5, also serves as the “Spotter” for the Sniper Team). He received several medals for his bravery including the Bronze Star. He was Honorably Discharged and came back home safely to the relief of Jan, his children, parents, family and many friends.

Joe-Clark met the love of his life Janyth Etchison at the tender age of 15. He was immediately smitten and they began their dating journey. Over the years they each married others but forever remained friends. Because he was meant to be with his soul-mate they found their way back to each other and were married June 9, 2000.

Joe-Clark had several jobs throughout his working career including Plant Supervisor at General Motors in Lansing and Plant Manager at Whitesell in Ann Arbor MI. He was a great “Handyman” and could repair many things including cars. He loved working in his yard with his flowers and making sure his grass looked like a golf course and felt like you were walking on carpet. It did. He loved to dance, read and keep up with current events. Joe-Clark especially enjoyed going to Car Shows and Races with his son Joseph (Joey) and granddaughter JaLisa. He and Joey loved going on shopping sprees. We all know that he was a “GQ” dresser. He fulfilled one of the things on his “Bucket List” which was to own 100 Suits before he stopped buying. He reached 110 and that is not including matching casual attire. His Military background taught him to always be neat and well pressed. He put a lot of thought in his attire and coordinated everything from head to toe including his cane. He even smelled good. He was an “OG”.

On January 20, 2018 Joe-Clark went to bed peacefully in his well pressed pajamas and smelling good with his favorite Cologne. Our God decided to let him continue to sleep and let go of his earthly pain. God being the Lord of Lords and King of Kings knew what was best although it would be very hard on the rest… his devoted wife, children, family and friends. Lean on the Lord for thine own understanding until we meet again.

Joe-Clark was preceded in death by his parents, Sammie and Odie Clark, a brother William Edward Clark and sister Melody Lorraine Clark. Left to celebrate his life and memory are: his childhood sweetheart and devoted wife Janyth Clark of Jackson MI, Three daughters; Carla (Willie) Mickens of Memphis TN, Yoshita Clark of Lansing MI and Deidria Dismuke of Snellville GA. Four Sons; Joseph W (Dawn) Etchison of Lansing MI, Xavier Clark of Detroit MI, Joseph Dismuke of Charlotte NC and Omar Tanner of Jackson MI. Two Step-sons, Christopher (Shawna) Gamble and Dedric (LaShonda Gamble) of Albion MI. Twenty-three Grandchildren and Nineteen Great-Grandchildren; his sister Odelle (Tyrone) Wallace of Lansing MI, Brothers Billy (Ruth) Clark and Thomas Clark of Battle Creek MI, Step-brothers Willie (Gwen) Tabb of Albion MI, Carl (Tanze) Tabb of Ann Arbor MI and Step-sister Charlene Tabb of Atlanta GA; Uncles Walter and Richard Clark of Albion MI; (as Joe-Clark would say) his “Special Sisters” (in-law) Beverly Robinson and Ollie (Will) Atkins of Albion, De Borah Vaughn of Lansing MI and Brother-in-law John Etchison of Albion; His Sister/Cousin Vicki Clark of Albion; his “Ride or Die Brothers” Aubrey Bradford of Dallas TX, Mark (Johnette) Ware and Dennis (Gladys) Reid of Albion MI. Joe-Clark also leaves a multitude of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends who felt close enough to him to be his relative. Although it is too many to name you know who you are and you are truly loved and appreciated.