Roll Call Tribute

Daniel Lewis "Danny" Clarke 
July 2, 1969 - October 3, 2023 

Mr. Daniel “Danny” Lewis Clarke, 54, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Daniel was born July 2, 1969, in Simi, California to Carol Danielson and Douglas Clarke, Sr. His life will be remembered on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Norris Ferry Community Church, visitation at 10 a.m. and service beginning at 11 a.m.

Daniel graduated from Loyola High School in 1988 and, in 1994, from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance. After graduating from A&M, Daniel married his high school sweetheart, Grayson, and began work as a technology consultant for the pharmaceutical industry, including LuChem, IVAX, Rexall Sundown, Breckenridge, Akyma, and Prasco. His jobs had him work in Miami, FL; Montreal, Canada; Glasgow, KY; Cincinnati, OH; and Dallas, TX. While he was an expert in pharmaceutical manufacturing and resource planning systems and proficient and dedicated to his work, Daniel was a steadfast father and husband who was always present and involved.

Daniel was an adept athlete, entrepreneur, and innovator. In his youth, Daniel was a skillful golden-glove boxer and water-skier, receiving (and then rejecting) an offer to join the Texas A&M water-skiing team and nearly joining the Junior Olympic boxing team in the mid-80s, but was unable, due to a back injury. Daniel was also a natural businessman, advocating for his and his friends’ ventures through hard work and by building genuine relationships with members of the community. He was always willing to invest in ideas and technology and shared what he learned with his friends and family, improving their lives through his presence and knowledge.

As a husband, Daniel was a partner who always took care of his wife, Grayson, who he loved deeply. In total, they were together for 36 years, forging a strong relationship that served as an example for their children. Together, they could back a large boat trailer into Lake Ouachita even in the worst conditions and still laugh with each other once finished. As a father, he spent hours passionately engaged in his children’s baseball and soccer endeavors, consistently present at practices and games. Daniel brought his children camping with Grayson (and other times with friends), instilling a family tradition of a love of nature and vacations to state parks.

Daniel had a strong relationship with Christ and, despite missing many church services, was an involved community member who positively impacted the many people he met. He was an avid businessman who enjoyed developing new projects and working with friends, which facilitated his love for large, mechanical toys. He thought he hit the jackpot the day he bought a bulldozer. He was enthralled every time he showed a family member or friend around land he developed in DeSoto Parish with the help of his late-brother Doug and other close friends. A whiz at mechanics and technological systems, Daniel was always innovating. Despite his constant denial, he had a soft spot for stray animals and tended to them lovingly. He also had a soft spot for a perfectly grilled steak.

He will be remembered for his laughter and jokes, down-to-earth demeanor, and ability to build camaraderie with anyone he met. His family and friends cherish many memories made at Aggie and LSU football games. Danny could always be found around a firepit, chatting and manning the flames, earning him the nickname “Sparky.” If he could say good-bye to all of his loved ones and friends, he would say “Love you long time!” and that he’s “Outtie nine-thousand!”

Daniel is survived by his wife of 29 years, Grayson Chastain Clarke; daughters, Emily and Hannah Clarke; son, Knighton Clarke; mother and family, Carol and Fred Danielson; father, Doug Clarke, Sr.; brother and family, Dane and Tracy Clarke, children Taylor, Gavin and Abby. Daniel is preceded in death by his brother, Douglas Clarke, Jr. He was loved by numerous other family members, including Tammy Clarke, Chase and Katie Clarke, and their children Nora and Ruston; Virginia and Merritt Chastain Jr.; Jill and Merritt Chastain, III; Catherine Chastain; Merritt Chastain IV; Daniel Chastain; and William Chastain; Sean and Jennifer Swank, children Landon and Lawson; Sonia and Josh Childress and their children.

Philippians 3: 13 & 14 – “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. “

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Norris Ferry Community Church, 10509 Norris Ferry Road, Shreveport, LA 71106, or to the charity of your choice.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Charlie Andrews, Todd Benson, Andy Bleich, Gregory Cancilleri, Craig Fergus, Billy Grau, Tom Lawson, Scott Lipsey, Richard Lopez, Patrick Lukacs, Duke Mandina, Brooks May, Jeff Monsour, Danny Mortimer, Raymond Regard, Richard Rogers, Les Tompkins, and Jacob Willis.