John Stewart Clark

He grew up in Upper Arlington, graduating from Upper Arlington High School in 1975. While earning his business administration degree at Ohio University in 1980, John joined the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity. He made friends for life there and organized their annual "Pig Dinner" reunions for many years. John found his true professional home as a financial planner. He earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and spent 40 years with IDS Financial Services and Ameriprise Financial, building a career he loved before retiring in 2021. John was a member of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church and later returned to his childhood congregation at First Community Church. He volunteered at a local food pantry and homeless shelter.

In 2001, John achieved the dual milestones of earning a second-degree black belt in Shuai Jiao Kung Fu and crossing the finish line of the Columbus Marathon alongside his wife, Lauren. Also a certified scuba diver, John loved vacationing in the Caribbean, skiing in Vermont, and jet skiing at Lake Erie. He was always up for an adventure, whether riding roller coasters at Cedar Point, enjoying local festivals, or traveling with his fraternity brothers to Colorado, Las Vegas, and Europe. Among his favorite memories was a fun-filled trip to Alaska with his son, Evan. Back home, he cherished sharing his favorite music from the 70s and 80s with his daughter, Elizabeth, passing down his lifelong love of classic rock. Through everything, John will be remembered for his easygoing nature and great sense of humor that never faded.

He will be greatly missed by his family, fraternity brothers, and friends. Welcoming him in Heaven are his parents, Dean Oscar Clark and Marcia Stewart Clark. Keeping his memory alive are his wife of 40 years, Lauren Cole Clark; children, Evan Clark (Jessica Williams) and Elizabeth Clark; sister, Louise Johnston (Greg); niece, Ashley Johnston; grand-nieces, Bryn and Ember Johnston; niece, Amanda Serles (Fred); grand-nephew, Freddy Serles; and cousin, Richard Vesper.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 16, from 5:30pm-8pm at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road. A Celebration of life will be held at First Community Church North Campus, 3777 Dublin Road, details to be announced soon.

Friends who wish may donate in John's memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (Ibda.org/honor-memorial-gifts).