Roll Call Tribute

ELLIS FUNERAL HOME obituary
801 ANDREWS HIGHWAY, MIDLAND, TX 79701 | 432-683-5555

Memorial Service
Friday, September 30, 2016 | 1:30 p.m.
Manor Park
Midland, Texas
Driving Directions

Louie Pollard Clarke, DVM, beloved husband, father and grandfather, joined his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. An informal memorial service took place Friday, September 30, 2016 at 1:30 pm in the Manor Park Chapel with Chaplain Bill Billet, BCC officiating. A reception to celebrate his life with friends and family followed immediately afterwards.
Louie P. Clarke, Jr, was born July 5, 1922 in Shidler, Oklahoma to Thelma M. Hepner and Louie P. Clarke, Sr. As with many people working in the oil industry, frequent moves by his parents were required, but young Louie spent many happy years on his grandparent's farm in Caney, Kansas where he developed his love for animals. Louie attended Breckenridge, Texas High School and was proud to serve as Drum Major in the band.
After High School, Louie attended Texas A&M when World War II interrupted his studies. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served in Bethesda, Maryland in the research department. After WWII ended, Louie resumed his studies in veterinary medicine at Texas A&M and graduated in 1946. Recalled during the Korean Conflict, Louie entered the Air Force as a Captain where he served in occupied Japan until 1953. After his military discharge, Louie moved to Lovington, New Mexico to set up his veterinary practice where he practiced on small and large animals for the next 43 years.
Louie met a pretty Army nurse and the love of his life, 1st Lt. Betty Joe Likes, while she was on leave visiting her Lovington cousin in late 1955. They married June 2, 1956 at St John's Episcopal Church in Snyder, Texas and celebrated their 60th anniversary this past June.
Dr. Clarke was active in his community throughout his years serving as a Boy Scout leader, a member of the Masons and Rotary, Deacon and Lay reader for St. Mary's Episcopal Church and a past President of the New Mexico Veterinary Medical Association. Louie enjoyed camping, bird hunting, snooker, golf and reading.
With his eyesight rapidly diminishing from macular degeneration, Louie sold his practice and retired with Betty to Midland, Texas in 1996.
He is survived by his wife, Betty L. Clarke of Midland; son, Daniel Philip Clarke of McAllen, Texas; son, Paul James Clarke of Bryan, Texas; daughter, Elizabeth Clarke Stewart and her husband David and one grandchild, Jessica Stewart of Midland.
Memorials may be made to the in honor of Louie P. Clarke at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation#2?21641.donation=form1&;df_id=21641.