Jackie A. “Jack” Clark Of Dexter, Michigan
Jack died in his home on January 3, 2026. He was born on August 22, 1933 in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Jack and Gertrude Clark and grew up in the Ann Arbor and Dexter community. Jack graduated from Dexter High School in 1951 and shortly thereafter met his wife, Mary Jane Nash, while both were employed by Sealtest Dairy in Ann Arbor.
Jack served in the U. S. Army from 1953 – 1955. Jack and Mary Jane were married on September 19, 1953, and 10 days later the U. S. Army stationed him in Bad-Kreuznach, Germany. Mary Jane joined him a few months later where they then rented a small apartment from a German resident until Jack’s honorable discharge from the U. S. Army.
Upon their return to Michigan, Jack was soon employed by E. E. Cribley & Son, drilling water wells in southeastern Michigan. Both Jack and Mary Jane became good friends with the Cribley family and on February 1, 1963 purchased Cribley Drilling from Howard E. and Edna Cribley who relocated to Uvalde, Texas. Howard was not only a mentor to Jack, but his best friend – remaining close until Howard’s, and then Edna’s, death. The Cribley and Clark families often visited each other for holidays and vacations. Howard and Edna Cribley’s sons, Rex and Scott, and their families, remain close friends with the Clark family to this day, sharing in the joys and sorrows that life has brought to each family.
Jack and Mary Jane built and guided their Cribley Drilling Co., Inc. business to significant success over the years with three of their four children now at the helm. The Cribley Drilling name has become one of great recognition in the water well drilling industry, and drills hundreds of residential, commercial, irrigation, and geo-thermal wells each year in southeastern and southwestern Michigan counties.
Jack was a past president and over 60 year member of the Michigan Ground Water Association. Jack had many hobbies and interests: fishing, hunting, boating, restoration of two antique Chris-Craft boats and a horse-drawn sleigh (to name the most significant), as well as piloting his own plane at one point, owning horses, gardening, traveling, reading, and studying history.
Often Jack was sought after for his advice from both business associates and friends over the years. Jack was a long-time member and supporter of People’s Church of Pinckney, Michigan, Webster Area Historical Society, Dexter Area Historical Society, as well as many other organizations. Even before retirement, he was generous with his time and financial support regarding many organizations that were significant to him.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, his sister Jean Clark Klein, nephew Perry Klein, and granddaughter Celina Clark. Jack is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Jane Clark, children; Sarah (William) Birkhill, Lawrence Clark, Cynthia (Thomas) Hoffman, and Timothy (Aileen) Clark, as well as grandchildren: Will, Ben, Kathleen, Allison, Rachel, Jillian, Natalie, Joey, Nicole, Mitchell, Austin, Sawyer; and 13 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters/brother-in-law, Rachel Heldt, Nancy (Glen) Meeden, Martha Towas, many nieces, nephews, as well as Rex (Cecilia) Cribley, Scott (Pam) Cribley and their families.
The family will receive friends on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main St., Chelsea, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at the Huron River Methodist Church, 7643 Huron River Dr., Dexter, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Viewing and receiving of friends at the church will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Dexter, with a luncheon to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, the Dexter American Legion Post 557, People’s Church of Pinckney, or do something for a complete stranger that is kind and anonymous. Jack would have liked that.
