Jeremy Clark had an unforgettable smile. Sometimes it was like the smile of the cat who had just swallowed the canary — as if he was (or maybe wasn’t) about to tell you the joke.

Most of the time, the smile was just an embrace that said “I like you and am glad to be with you today.” He didn’t waste time judging other people, or trying to impress them. He just enjoyed being who he was and gave others the same opportunity.

The road to the smile, however, was not without bumps and potholes. He was born the third child of William H. (Bill) and Carol Owen Clark on February 27, 1976, in Indianapolis. He developed ear infections that led to tube implants that left him nearly deaf as a toddler and hearing impaired the rest of his life. As a child he went off to school with hearing aids and dealt with “being different” among his classmates.

On the plus side, Jeremy had the advantage of a mother and father and an older sister, Carey, and brother, Billy, who loved and accepted him unconditionally. While not as academically gifted as his siblings, he had the gift of a strong determination to succeed and a sense of humor that attracted friends.

In 1995 he graduated from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, where he played football all three years and took part in several school activities. A number of part-time jobs followed, and in each job his willingness to work hard and persevere — even in jobs he didn’t particularly like — became his trademark.

Eventually, he was hired full-time by a Burger King restaurant, where as it turned out, his shift manger would one day be his mother-in-law, Sherri Bennett. At Burger King he displayed both a work ethic and a commitment to “get the job done.” He also developed friendships with his easygoing personality and ever-present sense of humor.

One day, the shift manager’s daughter, Brandy, was hired part-time and began working next to Jeremy. A romance developed and after a few months he told Sherri he was planning one day to marry her daughter. Sherri just shook her head and laughed at the “joke.” Later he visited his brother Bill, who was teaching school in Chicago. He hardly quit talking about how much he loved Brandy the entire visit.

Jeremy and Brandy were married June 13, 2003 and spent 26 happy years together until his death on July 23, 2026 from complications due to emphysema, COPD and primary progressive aphasia. He had been dealing with these conditions for the last 2 years of his life but he continued to work and drive for as long as he could.

From 2010 to April 2026, Jeremy had been employed by CEVA Logistics in Indianapolis, where he was named “Employee of the Month” several times.

A man with a tremendous imagination, he loved watching science fiction movies and had a collection of videos of Marvel Comics, Deadpool and Zombies. And he once played softball at church, on a team with his father and brother.

Most of all, Jeremy loved being with Brandy and their families families — the extended Bennett family, with whom he and his wife shared a home and their extended Clark family with whom they shared many meals, celebrations and holiday gatherings.

Jeremy is survived by his wife, Brandy Ranee (Bennett) Clark of Mooresville, IN.; his parents, William H. Clark, Sr. and Carol Jean (Owen) Clark of Indianapolis and two siblings, Carey Clark of Asheboro, NC, and William H. Clark, Jr. (Rachel Herron) of Franklin, IN

Other survivors include three nieces and two nephews: Zoe E. Clark, Franklin, IN; Anna J. Way, Cincinnati, OH; Abigail G. Way, Newark, DE; K. Paul Way, Greensboro, NC, and Joshua W. Way, Greensboro, NC.

Two paternal uncles, two paternal aunts and one maternal aunt also survive: James Clark (Teresa), Caseyville, IL; Vincent Clark Jr. (Patricia), Metropolis, IL; Ann Clark Brady (Steve), Yorktown VA; Ruth Clark Johnson (Steve), Metropolis, IL., and Sandra Lape Owen, Plainfield, IN.

Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Sherri Bennett, Mooresville and step father-in-law Chris Sloan, Marion, IN. as well as Amber Bennett, sister-in-law and Larry and Jeanette Barnett, grandparents-in-law, of Indianapolis. Also step sister-in-law Kelli (Leonard) Wynk of Swayzee, IN and step brother-in-law Tyler (Wesley) Sloan of Gas City, IN.

Preceding Jeremy in death were his grandparents, Everett and Ethel (Webber) Owen, Vincent and Jane (Fahey) Clark, and an aunt, Peggy Clark. Also, Charles M. Bennett, father-in-law and Wayne and Janice True, grandparents-in-law.

        Also preceding Jeremy’s death were three uncles and an aunt from his mother’s side of the family, along with three of their spouses: Don and Delores Owen, Cape Girardeau, MO; Anita Owen Wildman and Norman, Hazelwood, IN; David Owen and Elizabeth, Plainfield, IN and Dan Owen of Plainfield, IN. His wife’s uncle, Ray Garcia of Plainfield also preceded Jeremy in death. 

        An open house celebration of life to honor and share memories of Jeremy will take place October 24 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Clubhouse at Otterbein Senior Life in Franklin, IN. The Clubhouse is located at 565 Robin Way inside the Otterbein Campus. Entrance to the campus is at 1070 W. Jefferson Street, Franklin. A time for sharing and celebration will be at 3 p.m.