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Submitted: 5/4/14 • Approved: 5/4/14 • Last Updated: 4/14/18 • R750387-G0-S3
19 Mar 1883 - 31 Jul 1984
The Steele Enterprise, Steele, Missouri
Thursday, August 9, 1984
D.I. Clarke, who celebrated his 100th birthday last year, died July 31, 1984, at his home in Steele. Mr. Clarke was 101 years, four months, and 12 days of age. Delbert Irvin Clarke was the son of the late James Marion Clarke and the late Harriet Wilkins Clarke. He was born March 19, 1883 at Needmore, West Virginia.
Mr. Clarke was honored last year on his 100th birthday by a city-wide celebration proclaimed by then Mayor Joe Saliba and the city council.
At the age of 41, Mr. Clarke came to Steele in 1924 as a government auditor to examine the books of East Arkansas Lumbar Company and Steele Supply Company. The job was for two weeks, but Mr. Clarke's stay was for 60 years. He was active in his business, Clarke Hardware, from 1931 until a few years ago when hip surgery caused him to cease his daily trips to the Main Street store. In 1909 Mr. Clarke was married to Ethel Rhodes, who preceded him in death. A son, Wakeleigh Rhodes Clarke, and a daughter, Crystal Elaine Hayes, also preceded him in death.
On June 24, 1945, he was married to Augusta Lucille Moffatt, who survives him.
Services were held Tuesday, August 2, 1984 at 2:00 p.m. at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Steele. Rev. James Doyle officiated.
Mr. Clarke leaves his wife, Mrs. Lucille Clarke of the home; two daughters, Eloise Earls of Steele and Maridecine Peterson of Fern Creek, Ky., nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Clyde Southern, David Kelley, Kelley Joe Rhodes, Dalma Reid, Joe Saliba, and Barry Ray. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Steele, with German-Aumon Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Contributed on 5/4/14 by ttack
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Record #: 750387