Edward Milton Clarke

Edward Milton Clarke, 86, entered into eternal peace on July 1, 2014 at his home in Bluefield, West Virginia. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. Born on September 6, 1927 in Ottawa, Kansas, he was the son of the late Mac Edward and Ina Clarke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Martha Engman. At eight years of age, his family relocated to Washington DC. After graduating McKinley High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged after two and a half years of service to his country. After leaving the Navy, he attended Clemson University. Edward spent the remainder of his professional career working as an Electrical Instructor in the Job Corps System. Prior to his lengthy illness he was an active member of Harman Lodge No. 222 A.F. & A.M, and Graham Commandery No. 22 Knights Templar in Bluefield, VA. Edward is survived by his wife, Madeline Bane Clarke of Bluefield, WV; his son Daniel Clarke (Tamara) of Bay City, MI; and brother-in-law Curtis M. Bane of Bluefield, WV. Dr. Joel Schor, Dr. Katja Felsinger, Dr. David Jackson, and the staff of Hospice Compassus will always be remembered for the outstanding care they provided. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 5th at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell. Friends may visit from 12:30 pm until time of his service. Interment to follow at Grandview Memory Gardens. Dr. Donald Scott will be officiating the service. Military honors will be conducted by the Mercer County Veteran’s Honor Guard and Masonic Rites will be performed by the Harman Masonic Lodge #222. Pallbearers will be: Danny Mack Slade, Jim Bryant, Richard Gilpin, Michael Bryant, Steve Slade, and Mike Wells. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Hospice Compassus 1330 Mercer St, Suite 1, Princeton, WV 24740. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road (Bluewell), Bluefield, WV 24701 is serving the family.