John Harold Clarke

1944 - 2015

John Harold Clarke, 71, died peacefully at home Sunday, May 3, 2015, after a long and courageous fight with cancer. Johnny was no stranger to such fighting, having survived polio at the age of 7 and having quietly endured its lifelong after effects. Memorial service: 1 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends afterwards. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Search Ministries Inc., 5038 Dorsey Hall Drive, Elliott City, Md. 21042; or a charity of choice. Johnny was born Feb. 21, 1944, the fourth child of Walter and Lucille Clarke and grew up in Fort Worth. From an early age, his infectious sense of humor, his sincere compassion for others and his optimistic outlook on life made for friendships that would last a lifetime. He was one of the funniest people you could ever know. He was clever, smart and so quick-witted. Any encounter with Johnny would leave you with a smile on your face. He was the ultimate, relentless practical joker -- some of his jokes lasting 20 years. He loved spending time with friends and co-founded the "Lunch Bunch," an arrangement whereby friends would meet each day at one of five favorite places. Johnny was a model of high personal standards quietly demonstrated. In spite of all his accomplishments as a real estate broker and entrepreneur, he was a modest and humble man. He was one to perform a good deed that no one would ever know of except the beneficiary. You could always count on his honesty, reliability, gentle straightforward nature and, of course, his humor. The true light of Johnny's life was his daughter, Callie. Johnny loved to joke and banter with Callie, much to the amusement of friends and family. Callie naturally learned to reciprocate, their adoration mutual. He was the most loving father a girl could ever ask for, always interested in every aspect of her life and never missing an opportunity to share time together. His perceptiveness and curiosity gave him the unique ability to understand and respond to her every need. He was great at many things but he was best at being a dad. Johnny was a devout Christian and loyal member of Search Ministries for many years. There are no words to adequately capture the essence of Johnny. While we are not prepared to lose him, he is always with us in our hearts and memories. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Asad Dean of Texas Oncology. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dan Clarke; his sister, Bobbie Clarke; and his brother-in-law, Lou Stogner. Survivors: Daughter, Callie Clarke; former wife and continued best friend, Mary Clarke; sister, Nancy Clarke Stogner; brother, Ray Clarke; sisters-in-law, Deborah Blair and Sue Ashworth; nephews, Grey Stogner and wife, Mona, Dan Stogner and wife, Karen, Brad Stogner and wife, Missy, Walter Clarke and wife, Emily; niece, Lucy Clarke Reagan and husband, Billy; cousins, Martha Slover and Mary Ray Hall; and 15 grandnieces and grandnephews.