Obituary of Ronald E. Clarke

Ronald Eugene Clarke was a dedicated educator and coach who touched the lives of many students and athletes. He was born on July 25th, 1939, in Buhler, Kansas, where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1957. He pursued his passion for teaching at Hutchinson Community College and Bethany College, earning his degree in 1962. He was married in 1960 and has two sons, Timothy and Patrick. His teaching career began at Riverside School, where he wore many hats: he was the principal, the teacher for all subjects in grades 6 to 8, and the coach for softball, basketball, and track. When Riverside closed, he moved to Smolan Schools as the principal and coach for basketball and track. He then landed a job at Soderstrom Elementary School in Lindsborg, where he taught English, Reading, and History. He also took charge of the football team, the seventh-grade boys basketball team, and the track team. After three years at Soderstrom, he made a bold move: he gave up football to start the girls’ volleyball program, which became his lifelong passion. He also coached the eighth-grade boys’ basketball and track for decades. Towards the end of his teaching career, he focused on coaching girls’ volleyball, with a brief stint helping Russ Weibert with boys’ basketball. After retirement, he enjoyed running the scoreboard for basketball and volleyball games, jumping on a train to visit his grandkids in California, carving Christmas ornaments for his loved ones, devouring Mystery and Western books, and visiting his friends and family. Cremation has been chosen and memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday March 1st at Crick-Christians Funeral Home, 103 N. Washington, Lindsborg.