John C. Clarke Sr

Funeral service for John "Calvin" Clarke, Sr. 79, of Russell, will be held on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 11:00am at the O'Leary Funeral Home, Canton, with Rev. Douglas J. Lucia, officiating. Burial will be in the South Russell Cemetery. John died suddenly at home on Thursday, December 27, 2012.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday; from 3-6pm. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Russell Volunteer Fire Department or the American Diabetes Association.
Surviving John are his wife of 58 years, Joan of Russell; three children, John Clarke and wife Darlene of Canton; Joni Clarke Tresidder and husband Robert "Robin"; and Daniel Clarke all of Russell. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren; a brother, Thomas Clarke of Russell; three sisters, June Franklin of Russell; Virginia "Ginny" Butterfield of Canton and Donna LaTray of Canton; and many nieces and nephews.
A daughter, Cathy Clarke Folsom predeceased him.
Calvin, as he was known by most, was born, January 6, 1933, the son of the late Palmer and Evagene (Dunning) Clarke of Russell. Calvin was a graduate of Knox-Memorial High School in 1951. Calvin married Joan VanDerBeken on August 19, 1954 in Wichita Falls, TX. He served four years with the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He worked for J&L Steel mine until it closed in 1978, for Miller Brewing Company until its closure, then for Knox-Memorial and later Edwards-Knox, as Superintendent of Grounds until his retirement in 1998 and he also operated his own heating and refrigeration business.
Calvin was a member of the Canton VFW Post 1231; The Kelly Club, Clare Club, Canton Club, Free and Accepted Mason's Wildwood Lodge #477, Edwards; and was a founding member of the Russell Volunteer Fire Department.