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CLARKE JAY EARNEST May 27, 1938 – September 13, 2014 Born in Mckeesport, PA. to George Melvin and Velva Earnest. He is survived by his children: Dawn R. Wehrheim Mike, Clarke J. Earnest Jr. Cheryl, Daniel L. Earnest Kelly, Katherine J. Anderson Mike, Douglas R. Earnest Jenny, and stepson Eric Becraft. Clarke is also survived by his 19 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren who will miss their Grand-Dad Poppy Clarke. Clarke was born in Pennsylvania where he grew up with his two brothers, Robert Dale and Howard, who preceded him in death. Clarke grew up surrounded by his brothers and many cousins. He resided in Pennsylvania until the early sixty's when on a trip to visit his older brother Dale in the Rio Grande valley during the winter months, he realized how mild the winters were there and fell in love with the area. He returned to the Valley in fall of 1965 with his wife Joyann and small daughter and son to make a home and raise his family there. He promptly took a job with his brother Dale as a long haul truck driver. After some time at that job he went out and purchased a backhoe and went into business for himself as a general contractor, following in his father's footsteps. Later he created Earnest Construction Co., Inc. with his brother Dale Earnest and after many successful years created Lanai Pools and with Lonny Sumers, Irrigation Systems of Texas, Inc. He moved on to the San Antonio area and established Clarke Earnest and Sons Construction. Clarke retired in 2007 with his wife Pamela Earnest whom he met and married after moving to the area. She preceded him in death in 2008. Clarke enjoyed the outdoors and liked to hunt and boat. He also enjoyed photography and reading about ancient art, as he had gone to art school in his young years and was quite a gifted artist. He especially loved flying his 250 Piper Comanche and later his Cessna 337-D. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, always welcoming people into his home. Clarke was a member of the Masonic Lodge as well as the Alfazar Shrine. Clarke will be truly missed by his family and friends alike. A memorial for Clarke Jay Earnest will be at The Mission Park Funeral home at 3401 Cherry Ridge in San Antonio TX, at 3:00 PM on Saturday September 20, 2014. The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to: Shriners Hospitals for Children at 901 N loop 1604 W San Antonio TX 78232 Tel 210-496-1625 Fax 210-496-1815 In memory of Mr. Earnest

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Clarke Jay Earnest

May 27, 1938 - September 13, 2014