Gary R. Clarke Sr.

Gary R. Clarke Sr. obituary, West Warwick, RI

Gary R. Clarke Sr.

Gary Clarke Obituary

Visit the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory website to view the full obituary.
Gary R. Clarke, Sr., 75, passed away on Saturday, June 10 at his home in Coventry, RI. He was the husband of the late Lynda Marie (Cook) Clarke for 36 memorable years until her passing in 2012. He was born in Providence, RI on April 29, 1948 to the late Raymond Clarke and Lillian P. Blackden.
Gary was an electronics technician at Astro Nova, formerly Astro Med, for 24 years. He was not only gifted and knowledgeable in electronics, but also as a guitarist and songwriter. Butterly, Country Roads and Wheat Field, Can't get over it and Pawn in the Game are to just name few that he wrote. He taught and influenced many to become talented musicians. Many of his pupils would thank him several years later for being inspired by Gary in helping them find their passion for music. He not only taught, but he played in several bands over the years and entertained many with his musical artistry.
He was proud to have served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and in the Air National Guard. Gary was one to joke around, and would share facts about many topics, but also enjoyed his quiet time to himself. He was always honest, perhaps too honest sometimes, but that was Gary. He was someone who you could trust and would steer you in the right direction.
In his short yet exuberant 75 years, Gary grew to be a wonderful man. He was the loving husband of the late Lynda Clarke; father of Kerri-Lynne A. Clarke and her husband William of Coventry, Gary R. Clarke, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of Coventry, Kelli A. Clarke of Coventry, and the late Kent Clarke. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Kerri-Lynne's children- Cory Sr., William, Alexander Sr. and Ryan Gierhart; Gary's children- Hailee and Mason Clarke and Kelli's children- Gavin, Gabriella and Grady DiFranco and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his three siblings:Carol Trudeau, Marylin Heiderich and Fred "Al" Clarke. "143"
Calling hours will take place at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick on Friday, June 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed with a funeral service at 12:30 p.m. Burial with military honors will take place at RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory

659 E Greenwich Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893

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