James Herbert “Herbie” Clarke, 62, of Strattanville, died Wednesday, March 5th in Limestone with his wife by his side. Born August 30 1951 in Pittsburgh, he was the son of the late Herbert and Shirley (Klody) Clarke.
His family eventually moved to the Sharon area where he grew up. After high school, Herb joined the Navy where he served in Mediterranean during the Vietnam War aboard a destroyer. Over the years, he worked at Sharon Steel, LEF&C Railroad, Karl’s Drilling, Delta Contractors and most recently, Specialized Treatment Services. Here he worked with troubled youth which he enjoyed very much until he became too ill to work.
He was married to the former Sandy Henry on January 21, 1978 and they made their home in Strattanville for over 30 years before recently moving to Limestone.
Herb graduated from Farrell High School in 1969 and as an adult he graduated from Clarion University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Rehab Sciences of which he was very proud. Throughout his life, Herb loved to play softball, hunt, coach girls’ softball, umpire baseball and softball games in the Clarion area, watch the Steelers and Pitt basketball.
He is now at peace, out of pain, and as Herb always said, “Who loves ya baby? Herbie does!”
Herb is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughters, Nikki of Sharon, Michelle and husband Robert of Georgia, and Kelly and her husband Bart of Lancaster. Also surviving are a sister, Gloria Montes of Illinois; brothers Tommy of Arizona, Michael of Colorado, and a step-brother, Albert of Michigan; and his mother-in-law, Mary Henry.
In addition to his parents, Herb was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Samuel Reeves Henry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Clarion-Forest VNA. The family would also like to say a special thank you to Heather, his VNA nurse and all of the VNA personnel who helped with his care.
Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street, in Clarion where visitation will be held from 4-6 pm on Saturday, March 8. Funeral services will follow immediately at 6:00pm in the funeral home with Rev. Randy Evans, Clarion-Forest VNA Hospice Chaplain, presiding.
Friends and family may send online condolences, share memories and obtain additional information by visiting the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory website at www.goblefh.net.