Clark Stuart Ketterman

Clark Stuart Ketterman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died peacefully with his wife by his side on Friday, August 11, 2023. He was a faithful and devoted Christian, greeted in Heaven by his mother, Ella Ketterman; father, Charles Ketterman; aunts, Olive and Edith Stuart; nephew, Garald (Gary) Clark Croddy; and niece, Frances “Fran” (Croddy) Dick.

Born January 11, 1931, Clark grew up as an adventurous young man in Madison, Indiana. He was loved within the community and affectionately called by the nickname ‘Boy’ throughout his childhood. He took joy in scouting, basketball, hiking, swimming & sailing in the Ohio River, and exploring the beautiful hills around Madison.

Attending Hanover College, Clark was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, and earned his undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Chemistry. He then earned his Masters in School Administration and Counseling from Butler University; his Ph.D. from Purdue University in School Administration, Counseling, and Psychology; and to top it off, graduated from Indiana University School of Law with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence.

A true patriot, Clark joined the Indiana Army National Guard and served with distinction in the 38th Division as an Artillery Officer. He was promoted up to Battalion Executive Officer, and then eventually Divisional Public Affairs Officer. His last active position was Director of the Selective Service for the State of Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. After over 40 years of service, he retired as a Colonel.

On June 29, 1952, Clark married the love of his life, Sylvia Dan, whom he met at Hanover College. Together they explored the world, visiting countless countries, and eventually, every continent. Clark would often ponder how a boy from Madison, Indiana was so fortunate to see the world alongside such a beautiful woman.

His true passion was teaching and inspiring young people in education. In his office hung a quote by Kahlil Gibran that stated “Work is love made visible.” His professional work was a true testament to this quote. He taught math at Plainfield H.S., and Harry E. Wood H.S where he eventually became a guidance counselor. He then became Director of Pupil Personnel at Washington Township Schools and eventually, established and became Director of the J. Everett Light Career Center until retirement. Students with special needs held a special place in his heart, as he encouraged them to further their education, whether it be through a vocational school or college.

After retirement, he and his wife, Sylvia, spent most of their lives in Indianapolis, Indiana but moved to Naples, Florida to enjoy the sunshine and warmth. Feeling he had more to contribute, he came out of retirement to be a guidance counselor with the Collier County School System before officially retiring in 2003. In 2008, they built a home in Westfield, Indiana to be closer to their family.

In their leisure time, Clark and Sylvia enjoyed attending plays and Broadway shows at The Artist in Naples, Florida, and the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana. They were ardent supporters of these arts and proud patrons of the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Clark was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds, the Indianapolis Colts, and the Purdue Boilermakers. In his later years, Clark found a love for the game of bocce.

Clark was a servant of the community and recipient of many awards throughout his professional and civic involvements. He was the President of the Hanover Alumni Assoc.; Member, Hanover’s Advisory Board; President, Indiana Personnel and Guidance Assoc.; President, Collier County School Counselors Assoc.; Board Chairman, Public Action and Correctional Efforts (PACE); Member, Tri-County Mental Health Assoc. Board; Member, Indiana Health Careers, Inc. Board; Member, Advisory Council to the Indiana Department of Public Instruction; Member, Editorial Board of the American School Counselors Assoc. Journal; Deacon, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church; and Asst. Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 179 in Indianapolis. He was honored as the recipient of the Outstanding President and Outstanding Counselor, Indiana Personnel and Guidance Assoc. Awards. Clark was a member of the Westfield Rotary Club and a volunteer at Conner Prairie Farm. He was the recipient of numerous military awards and commendations throughout his career in the Indiana National Guard and Selective Service, including the National Defense Education Grant.

But of all his wonderful achievements and accomplishments, Clark was the most proud and boastful of his family. To his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Poppy.” Clark is survived by his wife of 71 years, Sylvia; his son, John David (J.D.) Ketterman; daughter, Joan (Mark) DeFabis; sister, Barbara (Howard) Davis; and half-sister, Kathy Ketterman. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katherine (Patrick) Reighter, Michael (Amber) DeFabis, Kristin (Jason) Yoder, Laura (Aaron) Schnur, and John Ketterman, Jr. His eleven great grandchildren include Elijah, Annabelle, Henry, Amelia, Charlotte, Noah, Vivienne, Alice, Cecilia, Oliver, and Madelyn.

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return” were lyrics from a favorite song, “Nature Boy” sung by Nat King Cole, that Clark would repeatedly recite to his family. He certainly realized both within his beautiful lifetime.

Visitation will begin at 11am on Thursday, 17 August 2023 at Crown Hill Cemetery’s Gothic Chapel with Services beginning at 1pm. Entombment with military honors will be held immediately after at the Community Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Hanover College’s ‘The Ketterman Educational Endowment Scholarship’, which is awarded to students seeking an Elementary or Secondary Education Degree.