Joan Carol (Denham) Clark

Joan Carol Clark, 92, passed away December 18, 2022 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born in Brook, Indiana October 19, 1930 to her late parents, George H. and Caroline (Sunderland) Denham. She lived in Brook until 2012 when she moved to Fort Wayne. Joan graduated from Brook High School in 1948 and attended Indiana University. On November 6, 1949, she married the love of her life, Harley D. Clark, Jr. who died in 2009. She and Harley were the long time Publisher and Editor of The Brook Reporter, a weekly newspaper that was in her family from the early 1900’s. Joan was a lifelong member of the Brook United Methodist church where she held many offices. Her special pride was having sung in the choir for 60 years. She is still remembered for her singing the descant on Silent Night at the Christmas Eve service for many years. She was also part of a vocal trio for many years. She and Harley were avid fans of all Gaither Music and attended Praise Gathering for 13 years. She was an active member of the South Newton Production Company where she co-chaired the costume committee. She and Harley were active in the Newton County Fairgrounds where they co-chaired the grandstand ticket sales for 44 years. She also played the oboe for the Newton-Jasper County Community Band for many years.

She is survived by her children, Tim (Kim), Dawn Troup and Jeff (Chris). She is also survived by her precious grandchildren, Jessica (Daniel) Stewart, Nate (Jessica) Troup, Lauren (Patrick) Fitzsimons, Luke (Susi), Tyler (Madeleine), Nick (Autumn), Matt (Anna) Troup, Courtney (Zach) Kennedy, Quinn, Josh and Cate. She is survived by 19 great-grandchildren, Frankie, Wilder, George, Ellis, Arabella, Jacob, Caleb, Timmy, Lincoln, Leland, Nolan, Wyatt, Sawyer, Konrad, Johanna, Evelyn, Joshua, Thomas and Magnolia. She is also survived by 3 nephews, Merrill, Rob and Keith. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Tim Troup and a special aunt, Ina Kaufman.

The family will receive friends at Brook United Methodist Church, Brook, IN from 10am-12pm (CST) with funeral service to follow at 12pm (CST) on December 27, 2022 with Pastor Matt Baughman officiating. Interment thereafter at Riverside Cemetery, Brook, IN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brook United Methodist Church in her honor.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Brook Chapel, 129 E. Main St., Brook, IN  47922.  (219) 275-6161.  www.kellerfh.com