Charles H. Clarke

Charles H. Clarke, age 75, of Highland, IL., died Thursday, May 27, 2010, at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, IL. He was born November 7, 1934, in Peach Orchard, MO., the son of Buford and Gleetha (Wells) Clarke. On August 26, 1969, he married Arletta M. Schleeter , who survives. Chuck was born in Butler County, MO. At age 7 his family moved to south St. Louis. As a youth he attended Victor Street Mission Church where his excellent memory and public speaking ability and leadership skills were first recognized. He then attended McKinley High School. On his 17th birthday he joined the US Navy. He served on 6 ships; USS Shea, Toucan, Yorktown, JC Owens, Repose and Coontz. He served two tours of duty on the USS Repose, a hospital ship in Vietnam. He was a recruiter in Wheaton, IL and active in the Wheaton VFW Post 2164. He retired from the US Navy on May 1, 1973 as E7 Chief Boiler Technician. After retiring he attended college receiving an associates degree from Meramac Jr. College and BS from University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a MA from Webster University. He graduated with honors from all three institutions. After graduation he worked for 18 years for the Veterans Administration as a Rating Specialist, and retired Dec. 3, 1997. He moved to Highland in 1988 and has lived here ever since. He worked for the Veterans Administration in St. Louis as a Rating Specialist. Chuck enjoyed playing golf, reading, western movies, and chess. For years he amazed and delighted friends and family with his impromptu poetry. He was also a member of VFW Post 5694 - Highland, IL. Survivors include Wife-Arletta M. Clarke nee Schleeter of Highland, Ill., Son-C. Nolan Clarke of Highland, Ill., Daughter-Linda Sue (Wayne) Smith of Gautier, Miss., Grandchild-N. Cain Clarke of Highland, Ill., Grandchild-Adalee M. Clarke of Highland, Ill., Former Wife-Carol Sue Barnes nee Bledsoe of Gautier, Miss., Sister-Norma Kay Sutterer of Arnold, Mo., Sister-Ava Bowling of Blue Springs, MO, Brother-Larry A. (Josephine) Coulson of St. Louis, Mo. He was preceded in death by Father-Buford R. Clarke, Mother-Gleetha --- Clarke nee Wells, Son-Douglas Edward Clarke died age 8 in 1974, Brother-Max Clarke, Brother-Frederick D. Clarke, Brother-Buford R. Clarke, Sister-Vera E. Brooks Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Charles H. Clarke

November 7, 1934 - May 27, 2010