Don Clarke

Donald George Clarke, one of two sons of Ann Marie (Penova) Clarke and Otis Joseph Clarke, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 10, 1950. Don grew up in St. Louis and graduated from Bayless High School in 1968.

Don began his lifelong career with the railroad on August 13, 1973, when he was hired on as an "Extra Board" for the Missouri Pacific Railroad in St. Louis. In November of 1973, he was promoted to machinist and in 1981, to manager of the maintenance division. In 1983, Missouri-Pacific was purchased by Union Pacific and in 1986, Don was transferred to Omaha, Nebraska.

Don and Wanda M. Schlayer were married in Omaha, Nebraska on July 8, 1989. They made their home near Silver City, Iowa where they were active members of the community and the Silver City United Methodist Church. Don enjoyed collecting coins and railroad memorabilia. He loved spending time and sharing activities with Wanda, his family, and friends. Don had worked for the railroad for more than 36 years and was the acting manager of the Track Project, when in 2003, Don became disabled by his health.

Don and Wanda had been married 20 years when Don died at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha on November 22, 2009 at the age of 59 years, 10 months, and 12 days.

Don was preceded in death by his parents. Don is survived by his wife Wanda Clarke of Silver City, IA; sons, Brian Clarke and wife Amy of Andover, KS and Matthew Clarke of Wichita, KS; grandchildren Korbyn Clarke, Kael Clarke, and Kennedy Clarke, all of Andover; brother Robert Clarke and wife Rose Ann of St. Louis, MO; aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.