"My friend i still think of that day i miss you dearly. I was blessed to meet richie at work he was the only one i really felt was a actual friend he was always waiting in his truck when we got off work he would tell everyone i got shotgun seat. He was living with m and my family hen he passed he was real close ith my now 7 yr old daughter she called him her cuddle bug they would sit on the couch and watch movies and she would fall asleep he was there when i had my now 2 ur old son he was truly a blessing to my family we would sit and talk for hours he was my advice giver on alot of stuff he lived taking the kids to caseys to get a snack. Rich was not a friend he was our brother its not the same at work without him. I miss you my bestfriend my brother I wish i could hve got home sooner to get u help im sorry i failed u i love you and miss u daily "
In loving memory of
Richard "Rich" Crawford Clarke II
June 23, 1970 - April 18, 2022
Richard (Rich) Crawford Clarke, II, 51, of Newton, Iowa passed away on Monday, April 18th. He was born June 23, 1970 in Alabama to Richard and Betty Clarke. Rich grew up in Jerseyville, IL and was a graduate of Jerseyville High School. He grew up with a family of farmers where he got his love for the great outdoors.
Rich loved the simple things in life; being with family and friends and all things camping and boating. He truly was a country boy at heart! He was a huge fan of college football and an avid fan of The Ohio State University. You could often find him outside tending to his immaculate lawn with a Buckeye's cap on his head. Rich worked for Manatt's Inc. in Brooklyn, Iowa and enjoyed traveling with his job in the warmer months.
Rich never met a stranger. He had an easy going personality, a go with the flow attitude and a laugh that came easily. He could talk to anyone he met for hours about anything of interest to them. He always had a way to make you feel at ease and accepted everyone as they were unconditionally!
Rich will be missed greatly by all those who's lives he touched over the years, especially his 5 children whom he loved with his whole heart; Kaitlyn (19), Dylan (17) of West Des Moines; Kristi(20) Briana (15) and Lauren (13) of Newton. Rich is also survived by his beloved brother Robert (Uncle Rob) Clarke of Jerseyville, IL.
Rich's life will be celebrated in a private ceremony for family only as we prepare to send him to his final resting place at home in IL.
Tributes
"My thoughts about Richie go back to his high school days in Jerseyville Il in the 80\'s. My brother was part of the football team with Richie as were many other great players and friends. Was wonderful to watch these young men grow. I had the pleasure of having Richie stay with us when he visit! Fly high my handsome friend. Our memories will always make me smile. Love Denise (Wondolofski) Heil. Alton il."
"Being his sister-in-law, I have a lot of memories of the fun we had at our family gatherings! Grilling Out, Boat Rides, Fireworks! Rich always read books to Colton and Zach when they were little and when the book had a puppet Uncle Rich also became the puppeteer. One Thanksgiving weekend Rich and Doug decorated the house for Christmas...... best described as Christmas Vacation! Rich and Doug also took on the task of remodeling Grandpa Frasco\'s Bathroom during a family trip to Illinois...... There were a lot of words and phrases in probably both in English & Italian. I think Grandpa was okay with the finished bathroom?!? You will be dearly missed but fondly remembered!!! Love You! Steph Bratton "