Andrew Edward Clarke

Mr. Andrew Edward Clarke, 73, of Nashville, IL, beloved husband, father, son, brother, instructor, coach and friend passed away Thursday morning, September 19, 2024, at his home with his beloved wife at his side and surrounded by his son and friends due to a 5-month battle with heart and lung complications.
Andy was born on July 22, 1951, in Lynn, MA to Richard "Dick" Robert Clarke and Dorothy "Dot" Arlene (King) Clarke. He was raised in Middleton, MA and upon graduating from Masconomet Regional High School in 1969 joined the Air Force traveling to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), TX. He worked flight line assignments managing crews to load aircraft at Langley AFB, VA and Lajes Air Force Base Azores Spain. He was selected to train those positions at Sheppard AFB, TX, and then transferred to Kelly AFB, TX for Air Freight Management, where he met his wife, Jane Weber, of Central, IN. They were assigned to Kadina AFB, Japan where he worked the Ramp, Passenger Terminal and Mobility Sections. They had their son Edward Robert on the 5th deck of the US Naval Hospital, Okinawa, Japan.
Andy and Jane transferred to California, and Andy managed the McCelland Air Force Base Mobility as NCOIC and was later assigned to Travis AFB as the Ramp NCOIC. He retired in 1991 as Master Sergeant with over twenty-two years of service.
Andy had a military history but was a grass-roots guy focused on family, making a home life, and always had a passion for planes and trains that he carried throughout his carrier. He also loved bowling and golfing, participated in military base leagues and upon retiring, became a youth league bowling coach, working with his son and many others. Following his railroading passion, he was a member of several railroad clubs and designed an indoor/outdoor layout at home that incorporated sound, batteries and all the features he envisioned to include a coal mine, switchback and several puzzles for operators to enjoy. As health issues approached Andy, he faced them head-on and often said he already used up 5 out of 6 lives. He enjoyed people, companionship, and lightening the mood of serious issues to help people relax.
Andy was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy, father Richard, sister Donna Englehardt, and his grandparents, Howard and Hazel King, and Andrew and Pearl Clarke.
He leaves behind his wife and son, Jane and Ed, his sister Diane Larson of Peabody, MA and many other family members, a large railroad and military family.
Per the wishes of Andy and his family, cremation will be performed, and a Family Remembrance Service will be held at the Campagna Funeral Home in Nashville, IL on Monday, September 30, 2024 from 4 P.M. until 7 P.M. and on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. A graveside service will immediately follow in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans (DAV) or Wounded Warriors and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home.