Robert N. Clarke Sr.

1931 - 2022

Robert N. Clarke, Sr.
September 15, 1931 - January 3, 2022
Tallahassee, Florida - Colonel (Ret.) Robert N. Clarke, Sr., (Neil), 90, of Tallahassee, Florida, died peacefully on January 3, 2022. Neil was a mentor and inspiration to many and served his country well.
Neil was born in New York City on September 15, 1931 and moved to St. Petersburg as a young boy. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School and then received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Florida State University in 1953. He was a loyal member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity while at Florida State and took great pride in his son and grandson both becoming ATOs. After graduation, Neil was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and began a distinguished military career as an Air Force pilot. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Scarbrough, on June 13, 1953. For 68 years, they shared many adventures with family and friends throughout the world.
Neil's service to the country included assignments throughout the United States and overseas, including Korea, Iwo Jima, Turkey, Guam, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan. As a decorated military pilot, he led Army paratrooper operations, flew into typhoons as a "hurricane hunter," and provided logistical support for combat operations. Prior to his return to the United States, he served as Commander of the 316th Tactical Airlift Group in Yokota Air Base, Japan. He commanded airlift operations and strategic support for C-130, C-141, and C-5 aircraft throughout the Far East. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon. He was also a proud member of the Order of Daedalians, a group comprised of military aviators, organized to promote safety in flight.
Neil was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Ann and Neil loved each other deeply and enjoyed their lives together as a "military family." He greatly enjoyed his children and grandchildren and always offered helpful advice and perspective. He was an honorable man who worked hard and set a wonderful example to all who knew him.
While his military career spanned the globe, he never lost his passion for FSU football and the Atlanta Braves. He took great pride in the recent Braves World Series Championship.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Ann Clarke; his son, Rob Clarke (Connie); his grandchildren; Megan Von Almen, Stephen Harper, Robert N. Clarke, III, Allison Clarke, and Davis Clarke (Jessica); three great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Meg Prewitt (Paul); and son-in-law, Steve Harper. Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Marie Clarke; and his daughter, Terry Clarke.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Killearn United Methodist Church. A reception for family and guests will follow at the church. Masks are requested by the family and will be available for those who need them. For those unable to attend Neil's Celebration of Life, a livestream will be available at the Killearn Methodist website at www.killearnumc.org/clarke. Neil will be interred at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice or a charity of your choice.