Daniel Eugene Clarke

Daniel Clarke Obituary

DANIEL EUGENE CLARKE March 27, 1956 March 31, 2007 Born and raised in Fresno, Dan attended McLane High School and Fresno State College, then launched a 30-year radio career. He was a talented piano player and loved to sing goofy songs. He was a fun brother to his three younger sisters; Diane particularly remembers his "active, vivid, colorful imagination that he used to entertain himself and his siblings with." In radio, his imagination and wonderful, offbeat sense of humor were great assets. He created scores of commercials heard on Valley radio and TV. He was a creative and energetic disk jockey, host of live remotes, multi-voiced announcer, and production manager for Clear Channel radio in Fresno before a ruptured aortic aneurysm cut his life short. Dan's special gift was that he never really grew up. Described by his mother, Pat Clarke, as a "child in a man's body," he had a great affinity for children and a way of experiencing life with a child's joy. He will be particularly missed by his nephews, Mark and Aaron Grisez and Robert Herrera, and his niece, Heather Herrera, for whom he was a well-loved "Uncle Dan" or "Uncle Stan" when he showed up with a new haircut. Heather says that "he made all of us feel so loved and important." In addition to Dan's mother, nephews and niece, his loss will be felt by all of his family: father, Ken Clarke and Ken's wife, Karen Humphrey; sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Fred Herrera, Diane Clarke and Kevin Roddy, and Denise and Stephen Grisez; uncle, Bob Elas; former wife, Yolie Clarke Gallegos; best friend, Rych Withers; and a wide circle of friends from school and broadcasting. Dan's spirit will be present at a Gathering to celebrate his life in the Great Room at University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Ave. in Fresno on Sunday, April 15, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. Remembrances may be made to the Central California SPCA, 103 S. Hughes Avenue, Fresno, Ca 93706 or to a charity of your choice. NEPTUNE SOCIETYof Central CaliforniaCremation - Memorial Chapel(559)222-7764 (800)225-1604 #1332

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Published by Fresno Bee from Apr. 8 to Apr. 15, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Clarke

9 Entries

John Lindsey

April 2, 2023

Miss Dan please have his sisters contact me!!its 2023 and I´m trying tk find out about their dear mom who I last talked to in 2017 and lost contact. My direct is 474-0868 in Madera John Lindsey

John Lindsey

December 9, 2020

Will always be remembered as a true friend of wit and humor god bless until we meet again

John Lindsey

December 9, 2020

D B

April 16, 2007

Dan and I were soul mates. I knew the more intimate, emotional side of him. Dan was a brilliant musician, and never afraid to see through the eyes of his heart. We made each other laugh and cry, and until the memorial, some memories had almost faded away. I will always smile when I think of you. This one's for you Daniel Eugene, "AS YOU WISH."

Brent & Elizabeth DeMonte

April 10, 2007

What a shock when Karen called to say that Dan was no longer with us. We're still in a state of disbelief. The last commercial I ever cut, I had Dan as my engineer, recorded at the Clear Channel station. Our deepest sympathy to Ken and Karen, to Pat, and to Dan's loving sisters. We look forward to seeing you all on the 15th, but obviously we wish the circumtances were different. Celeste, who knew Dan through the church youth group a few years ago, plans to come with us. Again, sincere condolences to the entire Clarke/Humphrey clan. Please know that your sorrow is shared by many.

Mary Deaner (Brewer)

April 8, 2007

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Mrs. Clarke, Debbie, Diane, and Denise. We were childhood friends where there house was the FUN HOUSE! We spent many nights there with all of us girls playing and having fun. I always remember Dan would make our breakfast....Scrammbled eggs, etc. He was always a kidder (tormenting us girls!!) He was known for his intelligence who had answers for any and every question we had. Looking back some 35 + years I remember how the Clarke family adored big brother Dan. GOD BLESS!

Yolanda Gallegos

April 8, 2007

Daniel I'm gonna miss you more than you know. Your in a far better home, and that does give me comfort. C'ya ND. Love ya.

Karla Hutchens

April 8, 2007

The time was Fall 1972, the place was McLane High School, the class was Chemistry. The crazy character sitting right behind me was Dan Clarke. Dan's antics and wit and outrageous stories helped me get through what was otherwise an uninspiring class. My son grew up hearing all the "Dan Clarke stories", and we were so saddened to hear of his passing. Dan, everything about you will live on forever --- those of us who knew you will see to that.

JOHN ARAIZA

April 8, 2007

Dan was a great talent and person. He was always helpful and I remember many years ago during the early days of my radio career Dan helping me land a job at a radio station in the mid 70's in Fresno. Always helpful, always giving of himself. Great guy! Dan will be missed...

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