Dr. Charles F. "Fred" Clark Jr.

Dr. Charles Frederick Clark, Jr. (Fred), age 79, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born December 17, 1944 in White Cross Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Dr. Charles F. Clark (Chuck) and Evelyn Becker Clark (Becky).

Fred graduated from Lancaster High School, a member of the class of 1963. He attended Dartmouth College where he was a member of the football team and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. He then attended Ohio State University where he earned a Master of Science degree, followed by a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) with a specialization in physics.

Fred married his high school sweetheart, Anne Richards on August 21, 1965 and just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. He & Anne welcomed three cherished daughters, Jennifer Lynne Clark, Karen Clark Pluger and Kim Clark Orr. One of his favorite roles was that of Grandpa/Pop-pop to Jacob Charles Pluger, Zachary Lee Pluger, Taylor Anne Orr, Nathan Ronald Pluger and Alexander James Orr.

He spent his career in physics, with over 30 years at CeramPhysics, a research & development company, which he started & ran with William (Bill) Lawless in Westerville, Ohio. He held 4 patents in his name and was a part of developing many more with Bill. After retiring from CeramPhysics, he went on to teach at Columbus State Community College as an adjunct professor and worked for Nexceris.

Fred spent so much of his adult life involved in youth softball. He began as a coach at Northam Park softball in the 1980's coaching his daughters teams. With a great love for teaching and competition, Fred, along with Nancy Sneed, took over the Upper Arlington High School summer developmental team and established what is now the Upper Arlington Softball Association (UASA). He started with one travel team, adding multiple levels and establishing a freshman tournament. He spent countless hours providing free pitching lessons on Sunday afternoons year round, winter indoor softball and open hitting clinics. The UASA is an organization that has provided a tremendous amount of athletic & social opportunities for hundreds of young women and helped elevate the level of high school softball play. This was Fred's vision and continues to be carried out to this day. In 2007 the Upper Arlington High School softball field was named "Fred Clark Field" in honor of the years of dedication he provided to growing the sport in the community.

Fred was an avid reader & loved to spend many hours in a good book or magazine. He had an extensive library at home that consisted of mostly history, in which he had a wealth of knowledge. He was a faithful subscriber of Newsweek & Scientific American. Needless to say, he was a great at-home Jeopardy contestant.

Fred was a traveler. He grew up traveling with his parents & siblings all over the United States, his favorite trips were out west and to Daytona Beach. He and Anne took Karen & Kim on special vacations each summer & he especially enjoyed visiting national parks and interesting destinations with rich history. They also had several memorable trips to Europe including taking Karen & Kim to Germany, Switzerland & Austria. His most recent trip was with his sister & brother-in-law to France in 2022.

Fred was a standout athlete in high school in football, basketball & track and went on to play a year of football in college then decided to concentrate on his studies. But sports remained a constant throughout his life. He enjoyed high school football games, OSU football games, the high school basketball tournament, any softball game and watching his grandkids in their various sports. He loved playing basketball and softball until his knees didn't allow him to! He was known for his aggression on any field or court, but always treated his opponents with kindness & fairness. There were many years of backyard volleyball where he would take on an entire team by himself and win.

One of Fred's greatest joys was his grandchildren. He ran Camp Grandpa for a week each summer, taking all 5 grandkids on special adventures. They went to the zoo, canoeing, rock hunting, boating at Apple Valley, got ice cream treats, hiking, museums, creeking and so much more. He enjoyed planning special activities, but mostly enjoyed just being with all of them and it was the most anticipated and cherished week of the year for all of them.

He loved chocolate - whatever form it came in! Candy bars, ice cream, cake, fudge, and especially meringues! Chocolate was his love language.

Fred is survived by his wife Anne, daughters Karen (Brandon) Pluger, Kim (Darrin) Orr, brother Dick (Becky) Clark, sister Molly (Carl Schwarcz) Clark, grandchildren Jacob, Zachary (Courtney Hickmott) & Nathan Pluger, Taylor & AJ Orr. Nephews & nieces Laurie & Jeff Brown, Bundy, John, Andy & Ben McGinnis, Scott Clark & Katie Jaquier. His best friend, fellow adventurer & philosopher, Phil Cass. Numerous athletes he coached throughout the years, many close friends & family. He was preceded in death by parents Charles & Evelyn Clark, daughter Jennifer Clark, brother Bob Clark, in-laws John & Helen Richards, sister-in-laws Karen Richards McGinnis & Lynne Richards Brown.

We extend our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all of Fred's caregivers. We will always remember your sincere care, kindness and compassion.

Family will receive friends 4-7 p.m. Friday, October 4 at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221. All are welcome to join for a Celebration of Life, Saturday, October 5, Tremont Elementary School Gym, 2900 Tremont Rd., Upper Arlington, OH, 43221. Friends and family are welcome to gather starting at 11 a.m. with a ceremony starting at 12 p.m. Casual attire is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Upper Arlington Softball Association (UASA) 2389 Cranford Rd., Upper Arlington, OH 43221 or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research www.michaeljfox.org.