Dr. Clark Townsend

Clark was born June 26, 1931 in East Cleveland. With the exception of relocating to Fairfield, Conn., from 1941 through 1945, Clark resided in East Cleveland, until attending Western Reserve University in 1949. After earning his undergraduate degree in psychology in 1953, he attended the Optometry School at The Ohio State University, where he received his Masters Degree in physiological optics and his Doctor of Optometry degree. He graduated cum laude, was elected the president of his class in 1957 and was a member of Beta Theta Pi. He moved to Mansfield and opened his optometry practice in 1959. In 1972, Clark was named Fellow, American Academy of Optometry. He retired from practice in 1999.

He was a lifelong railroad train enthusiast. He also was a licensed amateur radio operator call letters, K8CZM, spending hours at a time communicating with fellow operators around the world. He was a member of the Inter City Amateur Radio Club and the American Radio Relay League.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Clark also was Press Director at the Mid Ohio Sports Car Course near Lexington, Ohio. He traveled extensively throughout Europe in the 1970s and 1980s.

Clark is survived by his sister Betsy Townsend of Charlottesville, Va; son Rob Candy Townsend and grandchildren Emily and Hannah of Rocky River, Ohio; Carolyn Larry Bromagen and grandchildren Elliot and Caitlin of Bexley, Ohio; Betsy Ed Epperson and grandchildren Christian and Erin Grant and Katie, Kelly and Kristy Epperson of Miamisburg, Ohio; and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. and Jane E. Townsend.

The family will receive friends at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday at the First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Rd., Mansfield, with a memorial service following at 1:00 p.m. Wappner Funeral Directors assisted the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of North Central Ohio or Inter City Amateur Radio Club.