HERMON - James Richard "Dick" Clarke. 70. Mention, died at 9:35 a.m. Thursday, March 24, 2011, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Room.
He was born Jan. 27, 1941, in Galesburg, the son of Orville and Ruth (Murk) Clarke. He married Joyce Elaine VanDusen Sandman on Nov. 29. 1969, in Galesburg. She preceded him in death Nov. 24. 1986. He also was preceded in death by his parents and a stepdaughter, Cheryl Johnson.
Surviving is one daughter, Tracy (and David) Weaver of rural Abingdon; two step children, Shelley Sandman and Mark (and Rita) Sandman, both of Galesburg. six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Rich of Englewood, Fla.; his best friend, Richie Wells of Galesburg; three aunts, and several cousins.
Dick had lived in the Lake Bracken, Abingdon and Hermon areas most of his life. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1959. He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a construction worker for the Knox County Highway Department. His hobbies included hunting, fishing and running dogs.
He was a member of the Galesburg Kingdom Hall Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 28, at Hinchliff Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. Adrian Dillin will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service Monday at the chapel. Military rites will be conducted by Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post 381. Cremation will be accorded after the service and private burial will be later in Abingdon Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at
www.h-p-w.com.