Gary Clarke

Gary Lee Clarke of Springport, MI passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the age of 80. Gary was born on March 12, 1942, in Brookfield Township the fourth of seven children born to Laurence and Velma (Harshey) Clarke. He was raised in Eaton Rapids where he attended school. Gary went to work for Cords Well Drilling right out of school and then to Williams Farm Machinery, Eaton Stamping, he worked for General Motors for 16 years, started Gary’s Small Engine Service in 1981 and currently owned and operated the Bargain Shack in Springport. Gary had a great love for his Lord Jesus Christ and faithfully attended the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids for the past 21 years. He enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman. Gary loved riding his gator on his property and made numerous trails where he could watch the wildlife around him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Allan (Marsha) Clarke, Dean (Linda) Clarke, Don (Joyce) Clarke, Marie (Carl) Florian and son-in-law, Jose Cantu III.
Surviving is his wife, Ruth (Wheeler) Clarke; daughters, Cheri Cantu, Suzi Clarke; grandchildren, Jose “Joey” Cantu, Jesus “Jesse” Cantu; brothers, Maynard (Kathy) Clarke, Maurice (Gloria Fleming) Clarke and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. The family will received friends at Skinner Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church in memory of Gary. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.