Ronald Gordon Clarke

Ronald Gordon Clarke was born in Glasgow, Scotland on August 12, 1932, to William and MaryAnn Clarke. He died peacefully at his home in Phoenix, AZ on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ronald and his family moved to Louisville, KY when he was 17 years old. With presidential authority, he was the first non-US born citizen to be admitted into the Marines, paving the way for other non-born US citizens to be able to join. During his time as a Marine he served in the Korean War. After that, he joined the Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. Ronald had a highly decorated military career and retired as a Lt. Colonel. When he retired from the Army, he was the executive officer of the 5th training brigade at Ft. Knox, KY. He held many different jobs over the years, mostly in law enforcement, including deputy sheriff and his last position was CSO Site Supervisor of the District of Arizona, for the US Marshal Services.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, son Michael, and grandaughter Courtney. He is survived by his wife Coleen, daughter Michelle Hamilton of Lake Geneva, WI, and son William (Tommi) Clarke of Phoenix, AZ, and Phill Zatler of Temple, GA. He was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is missed dearly and will forever be in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Phoenix Children's Hospital in his memory:

https://secure.phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6481&mfc_pref=T&6481.donation=form1&utm_source=phoenixchildrens.org&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=donation-campaign-2022-evergreen&utm_content=donate-button-header