F. Clarke Brown

Clarke was born Sept 4, 1928 in Spokane, WA to Rev. David Brown and Grace Pogue Brown. He was called home by his Creator on Nov. 2, 2025. Clarke was the youngest of nine children and grew up in Clarkston, WA, where he graduated from high school. As a teen, he spent summers in Omak working on his brother's farm, which developed into a lifelong passion for farming, growing fruit and raising animals. His maternal grandparents had homesteaded in the Okanogan Territory.
In 1952 Clarke earned a BS in Agriculture/Horticulture from WSC, prior to serving for three years in the Coast Guard. Some of his most memorable experiences were from this time of service, patrolling the coasts of Calif and Mexico. Upon his honorable discharge, Clarke returned to WSC and earned a second BS in Vocational Agriculture Education.
Clarke married Marcia Lewis in 1957 and they settled in Selah, where he taught high school shop and vocational agriculture for six years. Five children were born between 1958 – 1963: Pam (Robbie) McManus; Barb (Chuck) Neubauer; David Brown; Jim (Aimee) Brown; & Carole (Bob) North. The family grew to include 12 grandchildren ( Elspeth, Callie, Camille, Tessa, Scott, Tara, Shanna, Halley, Lacey, Avrey, Aric & Greg) and 17 great grandchildren (Charlie, Jack, baby Dale, Eleanor, Gretchen, Weston, Madilyn, Jaxon, Carson, Skye, Connor, Bohdi, Lilly, Bria, Maryn, Liam and Lilah).
Clarke worked for the WA State Dept. of Agriculture as Pesticide Chief for 3 years, before becoming Chairman of WSU's King County Cooperative Extension Service for several years. The family returned to Yakima in 1970 when Clarke resumed the position of Pesticide Chief until his retirement in 1992. He continued to work as a consultant in pesticide investigations and co-owned his business, NW Agricultural Plastics, Inc. From 1998 - 2005.
In 1973, Clarke & Marcia purchased a ten-acre cherry orchard in Naches Heights and for the next 20 years the family worked hard to produce and sell delicious fruit. Clarke was a member of and had many years of involvement with the Kiwanis, First Presbyterian Church, Stephen's Ministry, Engineers Club, Masons', American Legion, Goldwing Riders Assoc. and the Central WA Agricultural Museum. His priorities were his Christian faith, family, and serving others. He had a zest for life, a great sense of humor, and always had a story to share. Though he valued productive work, Clarke also enjoyed favorite pastimes, such as motorcycle riding with friends, traveling, and creating beautiful landscapes.
Clarke was predeceased by his parents and siblings (David, Ethel, Mary, Gordon, Jean, Ruth, Esther, & Clarence). Marcia and Clarke were married for 55 years before her death in 2012. Clarke then married Helen Meyer, and they shared seven years together, prior to her passing in 2020. Clarke is survived by his five children and their families, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Clarke's Celebration of Life will be held at Brookside Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Pl., Moxee, WA on November 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Yakima Union Gospel Mission, Central WA Agricultural Museum, or a charity of your choice.
The family is being cared for by Brookside Funeral Home. Memories and condolences can be shared on www.brooksidefuneral.com