John Jennings Clarke, Sr., 76, of 1316 S. Day Place, died, July 8, 2008. He was born July 14, 1931 in Alleghany County, a son of the late John Hennings and Minnie Enola Noel Clarke. Mr. Clarke served in the United States Army as a soldier of Occupation in Germany from August 1948 to August 1952 attaining the rank of SGT. in the 32nd Field Artillery Battalion of the First Infantry Division. He was a Life Member of the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He retired from Westvaco in December 1993 after 35 years of service, primarily in the maintenance Department as a Millwight, Maintenance Planner and at his retirement, a Maintenance Foreman . Mr. Clarke was an honorary member of Westvaco Rescue Squad where he held several offices during his active service to the Squad. As a Squad member and instructor he taught numerous American Red Cross First Aid Classes and Emergency Medical Technician classes, training employees ad members of Area First Aid and Rescue Squads. He was a member of Edgemont Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church having served as a Deacon, Youth Advisor, Youth Department Superintendent and teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and held the office of Ruling Elder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary "Rose" Mueller Clarke in November 2003, a son, John J. Clarke, Jr. in 1992 and also by a brother, Gerald L. Clarke in April 1996. Surviving are two daughters, Patricia Ann and Steve Bailey of Portsmouth and Sue Ellen Lough of Covington his only granddaughter, Jessica Marie Lough of Covington; two brothers, Robert N. Clark and his wife, Nelda of Covington and Thomas E. Clarke and his wife Sharon of Richmond; five sisters, Anna L. Wilmer; Peggy J. Crawford; Barbara Flint and her husband, James; Betty Stull and Joyce Knighton and her husband, William, all of Covington; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in the United States and Germany. In keeping with Mr. Clarke's wishes his body as been cremated. A private graveside will be held at a later date at Alleghany Memorial Park. The family will receive their friends any time aat the home of Sue Ellen Lough's at 1319 S. Crawford Ave, Covington. Memorial Information Memorial donations in Mr. Clarke's name may be made to the Edgemont ARP Building Fund, 2306 S. Church Ave., Covington, VA 24426 or to your favorite charity.