Gail Allen Clark

Gail Allen Clark, 75, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Gail was born April 14, 1951, at Mary Rutan Hospital to Doris Mae (Cane) Clark and Warren Harding Clark, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Carol Elaine (Clark) Meadows, his brother-in-law Jesse Meadows, his sister-in-law, Teddy Clark, his former sister-in-law, Dannette Palmore, his former brother-in-law, Tim Anderson, his nephew, Michael Scott, and his life-long friend, Jesse D. Williams.

Surviving is his wife and sweetheart, Kathryn (Cayton) Clark. Kathryn and Gail were in attendance at the 2014 Zimmerman Christmas party. When they saw each other there was an instant attraction. Gail wooed Kathryn and they were married in the Little Church of the West, Las Vegas, Nevada, on June 5, 2020.

Gail is also survived by his children, Brent (Tyanne) Clark, Trehern Clark and Matthew (Shelby) Haley, his grandchildren, Maxwell Clark, Morgan Clark, Madeleine Clark, Kameren Haley, Jazmyn Haley, McKenzie Haley, Matthew Haley II, and Adair Haley, and his great grandchildren, Amarah Harrigan and Genevieve Haley, his sister, Dedria (Clark) Scott, his brother, Glenn Clark, his first wife, Marcella (Anderson) Clark, brothers-in-law Michael Scott, John Cayton, Roger Cayton, Joe Cayton, sisters-in-law Victoria Cayton, Martha Phillips Cayton and Tarie Cayton, as well as former brother-in-law Dennis Elliott and former sisters-in-law, Brenda Billhimer, and Marlena Elliott. Gail is also survived by aunts Jean (Cane) Rogan and Marilyn (Jones) Shutt, by Brian Davis, whom Gail loved as a brother, by his dear friends Dallas Williams and Tony Vance, and by his Michigan State teammates Kenny Alderson, Ernest Hamilton and Remo Mark Grua, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gail graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1969. He was a gifted athlete and worked diligently at honing his skills. He played basketball and ran track, but he loved playing football. This is the sport he excelled in. Gail's prowess on the gridiron was renowned. During his junior and senior years in high school, he was heavily recruited by several Big Ten schools and other powerhouse universities. Ever humble, Gail always said the attention he received was due to Jesse Williams.

Gail committed to Michigan State and started all four years. He was named twice to the All-Big Ten Conference Football Team and his senior year, was named to the All-American Team. Gail was selected to play in the East-West game, held in the Rose Bowl. While playing against Ohio State at the horseshoe, Gail tackled Archie Griffin, causing Archie to fumble the ball. Gail helped Archie up, and said, "Archie, this is going to be a long day".

After graduating from Michigan State with a BS degree in business, Gail was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers and played for the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots.

After his football career, Gail returned to Bellefontaine and served as the executive director of the Logan County Metropolitan Housing Authority for forty years. Gail fervently believed that low-income people should have access to safe, comfortable and affordable housing. He was proud of the program he envisioned and worked tirelessly to bring to fruition.

Gail was also very passionate about coaching and mentoring numerous Chieftain football players. He lent his expertise to the program, encouraging, instructing and constructively critiquing. Gail was a fixture on the field at every practice and game for over forty years.

Many people knew of Gail's physical strength, but some did not know of his emotional and spiritual strength. His faith sustained him throughout his life. In his younger years he was a member of Grace AME church. He later became a member of the Auburn Avenue Baptist Church.

Gail was a leader. He had a large, outgoing personality. His booming voice could be heard before he was seen. Gail's presence was seen and felt when he entered a room. Those who knew him will never forget his beautiful smile, his infectious laugh, and his joy and love for life. Gail was so proud of his three sons and doted on his grandchildren. He loved spending time with family and friends, going on family vacations, attending family reunions, golfing with friends, traveling to Italy with his wife and friends, Cassie and Mike Hassel, as well as his edge busters, particularly cherry pie with vanilla ice cream.

Gail said he had a wonderful, extraordinary life. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.

Dr. Settle W. Townsend, Jr. will officiate a funeral service on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 11:00am in the Bellefontaine First Church of God, 1000 E. Brown Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday, July 15th from 3 until 7pm. Private burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Auburn Avenue Baptist Church, 216 E Auburn Ave, Bellefontaine, OH 43311, or Logan County Education Foundation, 121 South Opera Street, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311, or to Bellefontaine Athletic Boosters Club, 555 E. Lake Ave., Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

EICHHOLZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Clark family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com 

FAMILY AUTHORED OBITUARY / TFD