Dr. Robert Charles Clarke, 77, Sturgis, died Friday, July 6, 2007, near Tilford as the result of an automobile accident.

Memorial services will be Wednesday, July 11, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis, with Pastor Keith Nelson and Pastor Wes Labrier officiating. Burial with military honors by the Sturgis Veterans Honor Guard will follow at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Robert was born Jan. 21, 1930, at Rapid City to Arnold and Thelma (Alter) Clarke. He grew up on his father's dairy ranch near Hermosa, and graduated from Rapid City High School in 1948.

Robert served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1951 until 1955.

He graduated from South Dakota State University in Brookings, and received a degree in chiropractic medicine from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1961.

Robert married Marian Mary Madeira at Burnsville, Penn., on Sept. 29, 1954.

He was a member of the Rapid City Elks Lodge, and loved hunting, fishing, bowling with family and friends, playing cards and especially watching his children and grandchildren in all their activities.

Survivors include his wife, Marian, Sturgis; three sons, Steve (Danielle) Clarke, Estoncia, N.M., Tom Clarke, Pierre, and Mark Clarke, Sturgis; two daughters, Laurie Clarke, Spearfish, and Robin (Todd) Keffeler, Enning; one brother, Delmar (Linda) Clarke, Hermosa; one sister, Peggy Clarke, Rapid City; one step sister, Barb Eisenhower, Peoria, Ill.; grandchildren, Craig, Brian, Karin, Terry, McKenzi, and Chaz; great-grandchildren, Alexander, Trynyty and Taylor; numerous nieces and nephews; and special cousins, Bud and Joann Clarke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Neva; and cousins, Vernon and Eleanor Clarke.

A memorial has been established to South Dakota Special Olympics.