Larry Clarke

Larry B. Clarke, 64, of Yates Center, Kansas, died Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at his home. Larry was born March 23, 1944, at Rose Hill, Kansas, to Glenn W. and Vona "Babe" (Mott) Clarke. He grew up near Rose in Woodson County where he attended Perry School and graduated from Yates Center High School in 1962. He worked on the family farm while growing up and went to California to do harvest work after high school. On March 14, 1964, Larry married Karen L. Scheibmeir in Eureka, Kansas. They made their home in Yates Center for all but four years when they lived in Chanute. Larry went to trade school in Kansas City to learn auto body work. He worked at a library while in school. While living in Chanute, he ran Tom's Peanut Truck. At Yates Center, he worked at both the Skelley and Sinclair filling stations. He started working for the school district as a bus driver and janitor and eventually became the building and grounds supervisor, plus he continued helping on the family farm. His most recent employment was with Brilke Motor Co. and Burkhart Manufacturing both of Yates Center. Larry was a jack of all trades who enjoyed helping others. SURVIVORS: Wife: Karen Clarke - of the home 2 Sons: Larry Todd Clarke of Wichita, KS, and Kleet Edward Clarke of Yates Center, KS 2 Daughters: Lanette Carder & husband, Kevin of Eudora,KS & Cinda Bell-Stull of Stafford, Virginia 5 Grandchildren: Cory Bell, Tori Carder, Heather Carder, Bria Carder and Katelyn Bell His mother & step-father, Vona "Babe" Hemphill & Husband, Elmer of rural Yates Center, KS His Mother-in-law: Velda Scheibmeir of Yates Center, KS 2 Brothers: Randall Clarke and Bill Clarke both of Yates Center, KS 1 Sister: Betty Bratcher of Buffalo, KS 1 Step-Brother: Elmer "Junior" Hemphill of Olathe, KS 5 Step-Sisters: Carol, Ann, Naomi, Charlotte and Carlene Larry was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Clarke and a step-father, Monroe Coy. SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Yates Center. Pastor Karen Jesseph will officiate. BURIAL: Pleasant Valley Cemetery south of Yates Center. IN-STATE: Thursday at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Friday after 10:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Yates Center. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS: The family suggests memorials to a College Fund for Larry's grandchildren. Contributions may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. You may leave condolences on line for the family at www.iolafuneral.com .