Obituary of Robert Clarke

Dr. Robert W. Clarke, age 84, of Buckhannon, WV died Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. He was born February 4, 1931 in San Francisco, CA, a son of the late William and Margaret Shannon Clarke. On August 31, 1979 he married Marilyn Keibler Lawson who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Carrie Mahin and husband Bruce of Radford, VA, Erin Tropila and husband Mitchell of Great Falls, MT and Shannon Toscano and husband Martin of Wayne, PA; two step daughters, Anita Lawson and Grace Griffin and husband Dan all of Morgantown; seven granddaughters, Grace Bryant and husband Jerel of Portsmouth, VA, Kathleen Mahin of Pittsburgh, PA, Caroline Erin and Elizabeth Angela Toscano both of Wayne, Laura Griffin of Harrisburg, PA and Amanda and Katherine Griffin both of Philadelphia, PA and one sister, Peggy of OR. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, Sean Andrew Clarke; one sister, Nora; one step brother, Chuck and one step sister, Evelyn. Dr. Clarke served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He was a member of the Elks Lodge # 1736. Dr. Clarke received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, and his Ph.D from the University of Wisconsin Madison. He was a Professor of English Literature at West Virginia University for over 35 years. Dr. Clarke’s curmudgeonly ways and his wicked sense of humor will be missed by his entire family. Friends will be received Monday, January 25, 2016 from 1-2 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held 2 PM Monday at the funeral home with the Rev. Steven Meadows officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lewis/Upshur County Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.