Gary Lee Clarke, 62, of Mt. Vernon died 3:15 p.m. July 10, 2005, at his home.

He worked at Fairfield Memorial Hospital as a medical lab technician.

Mr. Clarke was born June 24, 1943, in Mt. Vernon to Cedric L. and Leah (Horrell) Clarke.

He married Ruth Ann (Atkinson) Clarke Aug. 20, 1966, in Mt. Vernon; she survives.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. The Rev. Jim Allison will officiate. Burial will follow at Atkinson Cemetery in rural Jefferson County. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Clarke is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Clarke of Mt. Vernon; a son, Rahn A. Clarke and wife Koletta of Mt. Vernon; a daughter, Caryn L. Harris and husband James of Benton; three grandchildren, Jordan Lee Clarke of Mt. Vernon, Emilee Clarke of Mt. Vernon and Christian Harris of Benton; a sister, Phyllis Leiker of Hays, Kan.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Merlyn Leiker.

Mr. Clarke attended Epworth United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon, where he and his wife, Ruth Ann, assisted with maintenance at the church for over 20 years. He was an avid Denver Bronco fan. He also loved NASCAR and Bill Elliot was his favorite driver. He was a former member of the Old Timers Car Club, King City Kustom Cruisers and the American Association of Bio Analysts.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. B ox 721, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, where you may call 242-3348 for more information.

Source: Register-News, Mt Vernon IL
Date: July 12, 2005
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman