1969
Gary
2025
Gary Clarke
December 31, 1969 — November 13, 2025
Gary Clarke Sr., of Freeport, formally of Elmhurst, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 13, 2025, from stroke complications. He was born August 4, 1946, in Elmhurst, the son of James and Ruth "Bertha" Clarke. He was the husband and best friend to Darice Clarke for 26 years.
He was also a very caring and compassionate man towards his friends and family.
Gary loved to read his 3 newspapers every Sunday morning, read several books at once, loved to do picture puzzles, he was a devoted Chicago sports fan and enjoyed playing Scrabble with Darice as a nightly pastime. He and Darice also did lots of rummage sales, goodwill and fast-food runs. Whenever you saw Gary you saw Darice.
He is survived by his loving wife Darice, A loving father to Christopher Clarke of Cleveland, OH, Gary Clarke Jr (Colleen) of Villa Park, IL, Jack Clarke of Dallas, TX, and stepson Tobi Johnson. Also, grandfather to James Clarke, Aaron Clarke, and Emily (Gavin) Cassell and Jacque Clarke. Great grandfather to Liam Cassell and Elianna Cassell. Siblings to Barbra Clarke of Villa Park, IL, Jim Clarke (Linda) of Peach Tree, Ga. Uncle to Darrin Clarke and Donna Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ruth "Bertha" Clarke.
He will be gratefully missed and eternally cherished by all his loved ones. A service will be held on a future date. Those details will be forthcoming. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
He was also a very caring and compassionate man towards his friends and family.
Gary loved to read his 3 newspapers every Sunday morning, read several books at once, loved to do picture puzzles, he was a devoted Chicago sports fan and enjoyed playing Scrabble with Darice as a nightly pastime. He and Darice also did lots of rummage sales, goodwill and fast-food runs. Whenever you saw Gary you saw Darice.
He is survived by his loving wife Darice, A loving father to Christopher Clarke of Cleveland, OH, Gary Clarke Jr (Colleen) of Villa Park, IL, Jack Clarke of Dallas, TX, and stepson Tobi Johnson. Also, grandfather to James Clarke, Aaron Clarke, and Emily (Gavin) Cassell and Jacque Clarke. Great grandfather to Liam Cassell and Elianna Cassell. Siblings to Barbra Clarke of Villa Park, IL, Jim Clarke (Linda) of Peach Tree, Ga. Uncle to Darrin Clarke and Donna Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Ruth "Bertha" Clarke.
He will be gratefully missed and eternally cherished by all his loved ones. A service will be held on a future date. Those details will be forthcoming. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Clarke, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors