William R. Clark

William "Bill" R. Clark, age 74, of Shattuc, passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on December 1, 1951, in Centralia, Illinois, to William O. and Adeline (Hollenkamp) Clark Sr. He married the love of his life, Nancy Barnes, on September 9, 1972, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Carlyle, and she survives in Shattuc.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years and their children: Jennifer (Eli Kleber) Clark of Carlyle, Amanda (Matt) Dressler of Scheller, IL, and Matthew (Ashley) Clark of Granite City, IL. He cherished his grandchildren: Adrienne (Rocco) Gonzalez, Riley Dressler, Gavin Dressler, and Owen Clark, as well as his great-grandson, Roman Gonzalez. Additionally, he leaves behind his beloved sisters, Pat Perkins and Mary (Jim) Niemann, his sisters-in-law, Delphine Barnes and Gwen Tebbe, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul “Wheaties” (Carol) Hollenkamp, as well as brothers-in-law James Perkins, George Barnes, and Hallie Barnes.

Throughout his life, Bill showcased an incredible wealth of talents and a remarkable ability to tackle any project, whether it was fixing or building. As a self-taught photographer, he found joy in capturing stunning landscapes and the birds that fascinated him. His dedication to youth sports was evident as he coached his children’s baseball and softball teams. Known for his quick wit and distinctive whistle, Bill had a knack for drawing attention wherever he went. He always enjoyed a nice cold Dr. Pepper. For many years, he served St. Mary's parish, caring for the church and school grounds before returning to the railroad, where he worked as the lead man at the freight car shop in Centralia.

Bill’s musical abilities also shone brightly throughout his life, as he played guitar and sang with the bands “Limited Edition” and “Full Moon,” entertaining audiences for many years.

As a special emblem of his commitment to family, all of Bill's grandchildren and great-grandchildren were honored by receiving "William" as their middle name, a legacy he deeply appreciated and was very proud of.

In accordance with Bill's wishes, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In his memory, memorial contributions are suggested to HSHS Hospice and may be sent to Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.