Clarke joined the faculty at Grand Valley in 1973 and retired in 1995. He served as director of the of the Public Administration program and was a professor of political science. He was a high-profile scholar whose expertise was frequently sought by the news media. Clarke was a champion of democracy around the world, studying and visiting many international locations -- often accompanied by Grand Valley students. He created the Citizens Bee, which was a national competition aimed at encouraging interest in history, politics, government and democracy among youths.
Clarke was born in West Chicago, Ill. He worked his way through DePaul University, taking classes at night and working during the day. During the Korean War, he spent two years working in Naval Intelligence before finishing his bachelor's degree at DePaul in 1954. He earned a master's degree in 1957 and his Ph.D. in 1965, both at Notre Dame. Clarke served as director of the political science department at Aquinas College and was an adviser to Boston College in the early 1970s.
Clarke's visitation will be at Metcalf and Jonkhoff in Forest Hills on July 6, from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. The funeral will be July 7 at 11 a.m. at St. Robert in Ada.
