Michael Dennis Clarke

Mike always had a great love for his church, Saint Mary's where he was an alter boy and student, finishing his schooling at San Joaquin Memorial High School. After high school Mike enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June of 1966. After his completion of his military training, he deployed to South East Asia, where he proudly served the Marine Corp and his country as a F-8 Crusader Plane Captain. Seeing duty in Vietnam, Japan and Okinawa. After returning to Phu Bai Vietnam he was re-assigned as a H-46 helicopter door gunner, flying more than 500 sorties to include 240 combat missions and being shot down in I Corp South Vietnam. He earned numerous awards and commendations, which included 12 air medals and The Combat Air Crew Insignia with 3 Devices. He also earned The Army Commendation Medal for his flying support on "Hamburger Hill." After serving 6 tours in South East Asia, he earned The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 5 devices and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

Mike returned to Fresno to work in construction for a brief time before traveling to Texas to work in constructions with his good friend and helicopter crew Chief John Hunt. After completion of the project Mike returned to Fresno and worked with the City of Fresno as a Heating and Air Conditioning Technician. He returned to Military Service in the U.S.M.C. Reserves at the Fresno Airport.

In 1976 Mike joined 144WF as a Crew Chief on the T-33. His career spanned many aircraft at the 144th to include the F-106, F-4, F16A, and F-16C until he retired in 2002.

Serving in the 144FW Mike served proudly supporting missions home and abroad once again. Earning him the Air Force Commendation and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Mike's final deployment was to the Persian Gulf, where he liked to say "I started my career in South East Asia, and ended it in South West Asia."

After Mike's military service, he went to work with Fresno County taking pride in maintaining Winton Park for a few years, until he finally retired to his own backyard.

He will always be known as a Humble, Kind and Generous Man. He will be missed.

Visitation for Michael will be held at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

A Graveside Service will be on Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10:00 AM at St. Peters Cemetery, 264 N. Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.