Michael Thomas Clarke

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Claremore. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm, with a rosary at 7:00 pm, where family will greet friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Michael Thomas Clarke, age 83, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023. He was born on March 3, 1940, in New York City to Edward and Mary (McNally) Clarke. He received his education from local parish schools and graduated from the Teterboro School of Aeronautics. Michael was drafted into the Army in 1966, serving in the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. It was on his departing flight to Vietnam where he met Kathleen. After Michael's return from Vietnam, they went on their first date to Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Kathleen's home church of St. Mary's in Mount Vernon. They married on May 24, 1969, and enjoyed a remarkable 54 years of marriage.  

Michael's job would take them from Queens, NYC, to Long Island, where Michael continued his career in aviation. In 1977, he joined American Airlines and was relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he would retire after 25 years. 

During his retirement, Michael developed his skills in woodworking. Many family and friends enjoyed receiving gifts of Adirondack chairs, benches, and furniture he crafted. He and Kathleen took many road trips throughout the US visiting several national parks. He also continued serving as the principal auto mechanic for the Clarke Girls' car fleet on a pro bono basis for many years.

Michael and his family were dedicated parishioners at St. Cecilia's Church, where he served as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus and volunteered as the Sunday donut distributor. They were active members of the Rogers County 4-H Horse Club, often seen working the concessions at the Claremore Rodeo. However, nothing served as a greater source of pride and joy than his four daughters. He was a dedicated family man, faithfully attending his girl's many sporting events and activities. Later in life, he and Kathleen enjoyed traveling from Claremore to Tulsa, Dallas, Norman, and Kansas City to spend time with their nine grandchildren.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Mary, along with his siblings Edward, Patrick, Peter, and Theresa. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his daughters Margaret Clarke, Eileen Hotze (Mark), Mary Webb (Scott), and Norah Randles (Ryan), and his grandchildren, Molly Cyr, Meaghan Cyr, Clare Hotze, Joseph Hotze, Elizabeth Hotze, Thomas Webb, Kieran Webb, Ewan Randles, and Gemma Randles. He is also survived by his siblings John Clarke (Maryann) and Elizabeth Clarke, as well as numerous cherished nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Center Of Family Love in Michael's memory, 635 West Texas Ave., Kingfisher, OK 73762. Centeroffamilylove.org