In Memory

Charles Clarke

CHARLES' OBITUARY


Charlie Clarke, 77, passed peacefully in his sleep on the early morning of January 13, 2022.  His final night of slumber was in his beloved home of 56 years.  A service to honor his memory will be held Monday, January 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Charter Funeral Home, 10250 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam, Kansas.  Charlie loved most in his final days to speak of his garden, family, and friends.  His joyous laugh that filled the room will warm the hearts of those who knew him long after his passing. 

Born in Dallas, Texas, on July 11, 1944 to Ilo “Mary” Warendah Ferrell and Charles Lafayette Clarke, Charlie hardly sat idol.  When he was just 15 years old, he ventured across country seeking distant family and adventure, first in Baltimore and later in North Kansas City, where he graduated high school in 1962.  After starting out as a longshoreman, Charlie joined the Merchant Marines following in the footsteps of his father Captain Clarke and he traversed the globe for several years.  At the end of his service, Charlie settled in the Kansas City area, exploring a variety of career options including feed store owner and building maintenance supervisor.  Soon he started his major occupations of roofing company owner and rabbit breeder.  From his 4-H youth, he enjoyed raising rabbits and won Best in Show nationally too many years to count, countless trophies filling his shelves.  While building his livelihood, he found a little piece of paradise in Western Shawnee.  He aspired to work his land, leaving nothing to waste.  In his later years, he was featured in a variety of magazines and newspapers for his eco-friendly organic gardening.  Speaking with those in his hometown of Shawnee, it is rare to find someone that had not stopped at his corner vegetable stand to sample one of his 19 varieties of tomatoes or to simply visit with “The Tomato Man”.  As joyous was his life, we must send fond farewell to this industrious soul. 

He is survived by his loving wife Judith Jenkins Clarke of the home, 6 children: Jared (Regina), De Soto, Brant (Gwenaelle), Lenexa, Kate, Shawnee, Charles (Vanessa), Shawnee, Betsy (Ben) Morson, Macon, Georgia, and Micah, Kansas City, Missouri. 9 Grandchildren – Audrie Kamys, Madison Daniels, Liam Clarke, Chase Cline, Austin Cline, Sadie Clarke, Ellea Clarke, Tristan Classen, and Ethan Clarke, and 2 great grandchildren Finnian and Luciana Kamys.