Thomas "Tom" Clarke, Jr.

Thomas “Tom” Clarke, Jr., 72, of Lake Charles died at 10:38 AM on Thursday, June 07, 2018 peacefully in his home surrounded by his family.

Mr. Clarke was born on May 20, 1946 in Lake Charles where he lived all of his life and was a graduate of Lake Charles High School. He was one of the first members of the Governor’s Program for Gifted Children and completed college courses before graduating high school. He then furthered his education at McNeese State University before joining the US Navy where he was stationed in Guam in the naval hospital and served on the USS McKenna. Mr. Clarke worked all of his life for the family business, Clarke Insurance Inc., as an insurance agent and in 1973 purchased the business and managed it along with his wife who he also met in 1973. Also that same year he graduated from McNeese State University with a degree in mathematical statistics. And yet another accomplishment in 1973 was earning the title of Life Master in Bridge. Mr. Clarke later earned the highest achievement in the game of Bridge which was the title of Grand Life Master in 2016. He was a member of the American Contract Bridge League.

During his life long career as an insurance agent, he continued his education at many insurance schools including Oberlin College in Ohio. Mr. Clarke was a member of many professional organizations and accrued several accreditations in the insurance profession.

Mr. Clarke was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church and had been a member of Trinity Baptist Church since 1982. He and his wife were past members of the Lake Charles Racquet Club, the Krewe de la Contreé, and also the Krewe de la Famille.

His biggest enjoyment since early childhood was playing board games and card games. He was a competitive player who almost always won any game he played. Mr. Clarke enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who also enjoyed playing games with him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of more than 41 years, Joyce S. Clarke of Lake Charles; son, Tom Armstrong of Lake Charles; daughter, Amanda Armstrong Patterson (Brandon) of Fayetteville, GA; a sister, Mildred “Woo” St. John (Johnny) of Lake Charles; sister in law, June Moss Clarke of Lake Charles; two grandchildren, Ryan Thomas and Lauryn Amanda Patterson both of Fayetteville, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Thomas Clarke, Sr.; a brother, William “Billy” Clarke; and a sister, Constance Clarke.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 9, 2018 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Greg Bath will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 12:00 noon until the start of the service.

Those acting as honorary pallbearers: Ned Newland, Roy Jambor, Dr. Francis Bride, Bill Roberston, Robert Boudreaux, Darryl Drewett, Jim Barrow, Jeff Murphy, and Tal McCain.