Reginald (Reggie) G. Clarke

Reginald (Reggie) Graham Clarke, 86, of Combs, Ark., Naval veteran, aviation electrician, architect, artist, fireman, husband, "Dad", mentor, and friend, passed away Nov. 9, 2014, at the Willard Walker Hospice in Fayetteville, Ark., succumbing to lung cancer. Reggie was born in Detroit, Mich., on Nov. 15, 1927, to William (Robbie) Robinson Clarke and Gladys Thomas Clarke, one of two sons. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Ingrid (Fritzie) Jack Clarke, and his three sons, Geoffrey, Matthew and Duncan. Growing up in Florida, Reggie attended St. Petersburg High School, where he played football. After graduating in 1945, he enlisted in the United States Navy and attained a rank of Aviation Electrician's Mate Second Class. After an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1948, he attended the University of Florida where he married Helen (Ray) Varnado Clarke. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, Reggie was stationed on the aircraft carrier, USS Saipan. After returning to college and receiving a Bachelor's of Architecture, he worked for the U.S. Corps of Engineers on early NASA projects at Cape Canaveral. In 1959 Reggie moved to France and then to Germany, where he worked as an architectural engineer for NATO. He married Fritzie in 1978 and retired in 1980, moving to Combs, Ark. There he became active in the community and raised cattle. Reggie served in the St. Paul Volunteer Fire Department for 12 years. His hobbies included sports cars, writing, painting and reading. The family wishes to thank the St. Paul First Responders, Japton First Responders and the doctors and staff of WRMC Hospital and Willard Walker Hospice. A celebration of Reggie's life will be announced at a later time. No flowers please. Send donations to the St. Paul Volunteer Fire Dept. Cremation arrangements by Beard's Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.