Richard (Rich) Crawford Clarke, II, 51, of Newton, Iowa passed away on Monday, April 18th. He was born June 23, 1970 in Alabama to Richard and Betty Clarke. Rich grew up in Jerseyville, IL and was a graduate of Jerseyville High School. He grew up with a family of farmers where he got his love for the great outdoors.

Rich loved the simple things in life; being with family and friends and all things camping and boating. He truly was a country boy at heart! He was a huge fan of college football and an avid fan of The Ohio State University. You could often find him outside tending to his immaculate lawn with a Buckeye's cap on his head. Rich worked for Manatt's Inc. in Brooklyn, Iowa and enjoyed traveling with his job in the warmer months.

Rich never met a stranger. He had an easy going personality, a go with the flow attitude and a laugh that came easily. He could talk to anyone he met for hours about anything of interest to them. He always had a way to make you feel at ease and accepted everyone as they were unconditionally!

Rich will be missed greatly by all those who's lives he touched over the years, especially his 5 children whom he loved with his whole heart; Kaitlyn (19), Dylan (17) of West Des Moines; Kristi(20) Briana (15) and Lauren (13) of Newton. Rich is also survived by his beloved brother Robert (Uncle Rob) Clarke of Jerseyville, IL.

Rich's life will be celebrated in a private ceremony for family only as we prepare to send him to his final resting place at home in IL.