Ralph Clarke

Ralph Burt Clarke, 89, of Brenham, died February 16, 2003, in Canton, Georgia. Dr. Clarke was born May 14, 1913, in Birmingham, Michigan, to George Burt F. and Zella Viola Heany Clarke. He served his country during World War II 1941-1945 as a time study and methods analyst with the Murray Corporation of Detroit, Michigan, which built the wings for B-17 and P-47 bomber planes. Before going to medical school, Dr. Clarke studied art and architecture. He was a gifted artist excelling in pen and ink drawings and watercolors. He was commissioned to do anatomical drawings for the University of Michigan Medical School. He had a number of his works published, including cartoon drawings. Dr. Clarke graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and earned his doctorate from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. On March 20, 1954, he married Carolyn Morton in Highland Park, Michigan. Dr. Clarke was a retired family practice physician. He was a past member of AMA, life member of TOMA and member of Gold Medallion Club in recognition of 50 years of dedicated service to the osteopathic profession. He was a huge fan of the Houston Astros and Houston Rockets, rarely missing a game on television or radio. Dr. Clarke was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Clarke of Brenham; daughters and sons-in-law, Carol Salazar of Temple, Nanalee and Steve Wanha of Canton, Georgia and Gaila and Fred Pea of Brenham; 10 grandchildren, Jason and Jamie Robertson of Temple, LaTisha and Corey Salazar of Temple, Kyle Wanha and wife Stacie of Canton, Georgia, Erin, Stephanie and Christopher Wanha of Canton, Georgia, Sarah Pea of Dallas and Anthony Pea of Brenham; and several nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Chad Irwin Robertson. Pallbearers will be Fred Pea, Steve Wanha, Kyle Wanha, Christopher Wanha, Jason Robertson and Jamie Robertson. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Burial will be in Chappell Hill Masonic Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 in Memorial Oaks Chapel. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.