John Clarke

John Clarke passed from this life on August 16 surrounded by family. There will be a rosary and visitation on Tuesday, August 22, at 6:00 PM at Morrison Funeral Home. The funeral will be Wednesday, August 23, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church. 

John was born in Brookings, South Dakota, to Arthur and Maybelle (Pfaff) Clarke on June 20th, 1933. He married Luella Fischer (Lou) Clarke on October 20, 1958.

John and Lou lived in Oklahoma where their first 3 children, Vickie, Teresa and John, Jr. were born. They moved to Mineral Wells, where their fourth child, Alan was born. John was chief engineer at Perry Equipment in Mineral Wells for 18 years. He traveled the world while working for PECO, including Europe, the Soviet Union, the Middle East, Australia, and Asia. He worked for Siirtec, Inc. for many years in Milan, Italy and London, England after leaving PECO. Some of his best memories are from his time living in Italy.

After Alan graduated from high school, Lou joined John in Milan and London. Then they founded Jonell, Inc. in Breckenridge, TX in 1987. John continued to travel internationally for business, with him and Lou taking extended European trips each year. They moved to Graham and he became involved at St. Mary Catholic Church as a lector and usher. ​​​​​​​​​​​

John “retired” around age 80 but continued to go into the office daily for years. He enjoyed entertaining guests at his home. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was well-loved by his family and friends.  

John was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Lou, on March 7, 2023. He was also predeceased by his parents, brother Arthur Clarke, Jr., and sisters Frances Patterson, Marie Losh, and Dorothy Grinstead and their respective spouses.

John is survived by daughter Vickie Keller and husband Darrell of Graham, daughter Teresa Copp and husband David of Roanoke, son John Clarke, Jr. and wife Julie of Mineral Wells, son Alan Clarke and wife Shirley of Mineral Wells. He has 10 grandchildren- Anthony Cannella, Vincent Cannella, Laura Copp, Alexandra Gallagher, Rebecca Copp, Katy Duvall, Molly Tanner, Caroline Major, Chris Clarke and Cortney Clarke. He has 10 great grandchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Frances Treece, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is appreciative to Seniorly Yours, and Young County Home Health for the care of John. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.