Howard “Dean” Clarke

Howard “Dean” Clarke, age 85, of Bellevue, Michigan passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Sparrow Eaton Hospital in Charlotte, Michigan.
Dean was born in Eaton Rapids, Michigan on March 22, 1936, a son of the late Velma (Harshey) and Laurence Clarke. He was raised in the Eaton Rapids area and attended a one-room country schoolhouse. Dean was diligent with his studies, graduated early and purchased his first farm at the age of 17 from his grandfather.
In December 1955 Dean joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany for the majority of his service time. During his time in Germany, Elvis Presley was also stationed there.
On April 22, 1961 he married the love of his life, Linda Stadel, in Charlotte. They began their lives together on a small family farm in the Eaton Rapids area. After a short time at the Eaton Rapids farm, the couple purchased a farm in the Bellevue area where they raised their family together.
Dean spent his working career as a Fork Truck Operator at General Motors. Dean’s true passion was farming; he was a farmer at heart, and loved being outdoors tending to the livestock and crops, which he actively did until a barn fire in 1983. When Dean’s farming days had drawn to an end, he still loved being active around the property. His passion for being outdoors extended beyond his love of hunting and fishing. Dean loved to cut firewood! Dean took every opportunity to spend a day cutting firewood, which he often gave to family and friends to help get through a cold winter.
Each Sunday, at the conclusion of church service Dean wasted no time getting to the local restaurant, often being the first to be seated. If you wanted to talk to Dean after church, you would have to do that at the restaurant! Each week, Dean enjoyed playing at the local casinos. He absolutely loved the “free” gifts that he received for being a valued customer.
Dean is survived by his children, Scott Clarke, Kevin (Susan) Clarke, Brad (Tiffany) Clarke, Brian (Nicole) Clarke, Deanna (Roger) Ladd, Brent (Kara) Clarke; four brothers, Alan Clarke, Gary (Ruth) Clarke, Maynard (Kathy) Clarke and Morris Clarke; 20 grandchildren; and 14 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda; brothers, Keith and Don; and his sister, Marie.
Services were held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the Nashville Baptist Church in Nashville, Michigan with pastors Lester DeGroot and Deano Lamphere officiating.
Interment took place following the funeral luncheon at Hillside Cemetery – Kalamo Hillside Cemetery.
The family is being served by Daniels Funeral Home, www.danielsfuneralhome.net.