Alfonso Clarke

Alfonso Clarke, age 94, entered eternal rest on November 9, 2018 in Edinburg, Texas. He was born and raised in Rio Grande City, Texas on January 21st, 1924 and came from an early Starr county pioneer family. He had been living in McAllen since 1956.

Mr. Clarke was preceded in death by his parents, Jacobo Clarke Sr. and Maria Arredondo Clarke of Rio Grande City, Texas. Also by five brothers, Santiago(+Maria B.) Clarke; Jacobo C.(+Maria R.) Clarke Jr.; Rufino(+Ramona A.) Clarke; Roberto(Maria R.) Clarke; Arturo (Alicia) Clarke; and Rodolfo (Beatriz C.) Clarke. Also by two sisters, Lydia(+Gilberto) Pena and Matilde (Gregorio) Campos. He was also preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Melissa Trevino Salinas.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Cristina Gomez Clarke of McAllen, Texas. Four daughters Ana Maria(Emilio) Trevino of Mission, Texas; Irma Clarke-Flores(Juan) of Corpus Christi, Texas; Naid(+Rodney) Clarke-Bradley of Edinburg, Texas and Edith Clarke-Escobar(Orlando) of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by one sister, Maria Luisa(+Ruben) Molina of Rio Grande City, Texas. Also by his grandson, Alex Gomez Clarke, who was a joy having him living in his grandparents home since childhood to a young adult. Also surviving him are 7 lovable grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Mr. Clarke was one of a few members of the Texas families whose parents had six or more sons serving at the same time overseas during World War II. He served in Italy where he was awarded two Bronze Star Medals for his actions in the field of combat. He also earned other ribbons and medals including two combat battle stars.

Part of his citation reads: “Clarke assumed command of a squad when it’s leader became a casualty and throughout the subsequent fighting over the most treacherous ground and under hazardous fire, he displayed the highest devotion to duty, staunch courage, and a keen determination to fulfill all assignments during fierce periods in fighting. Enter the military service from Rio Grande City, Texas by Major General Hays.”

Born in Rio Grande City, Texas, Mr. Clarke never forgot his roots nor where he came from. His early childhood in the early 1930’s saw him working different grocery stores; at Mr. Abundino Contreras famous Dreamland Theater; at Mr. Santos Sanchez Billiard Hall and at Mr. Pancho Gonzalez’ shoe shop(famous for his boot making). All of these and still attending school. His early work ethics would improve and continue throughout his life. Having been born and raised in Rio, he often said that it was the right place and the right time and where everyone knew each other and could walk into any house and be treated like family

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army, he was employed in the Starr County Courthouse as a clerk in the County Clerk’s Office. While working here, he learned that the US Government would soon be hiring personnel. Interviews were held in San Antonio, Texas for positions with the US Agriculture Dept. as cattle inspectors in the interior of Mexico. Having passed, he served in the states of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico until the purpose of the assignment was completed.

He returned to Rio Grande City and was employed with the Texas Highway Dept. After a year, he was hired by the Texas Liquor Control Board as an undercover agent with the Undercover Division stationed in San Antonio. After some years, he transferred to the Ports of Entry and stationed at the port of Hidalgo, Texas, where he later became District 111 Ports of Entry Supervisor, overseeing 7 ports of entry from Brownsville to Falcon Lake(3 counties, Cameron, Hidalgo and Starr) which was under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. He retired in 1986 after having served 37 years in the retirement system.

Once retired, he was offered several part-time jobs, but turned them down. He would say “Why retire from a good paying job that you like for a part-time job that you don’t like.” Now he had plenty of time on his hands and his passion was writing. He wrote the following books: Rio’s Nicknames, Badges of Honors, Time Gone By, Rio Grande City, the First Fifty Years of the Twentieth Century, My Time and More and The Barefoot Burglar(El Descalzo). He also ventured into the unknown by investigating and writing many families genealogy books, but never charging for his expenses or his services.

A good son; husband; father; grandfather; great-grandfather and great-great grandfather who got along with everyone who knew him. He enjoyed life as the good Lord intended, with honesty; integrity and compassion towards his follow men and believing that all men are created equal.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Funeraria Del Angel, Chapel of Serenity in Mission from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 14,2018 at Funeraria Del Angel at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery.