Clarke, Russell Leland

Russell Leland Clarke - age: 91
(March 28, 1923 to November 22, 2014 )
Resident of Ukiah, California

Obituary:
Russell Leland Clarke

On November 22, 2014, Russell Leland Clarke, AKA Nelson, passed from this world. He was 91 years old.
He was preceded in death at a young age by his parents, Harry and Nellie Nelson, and was raised in Ukiah by his aunt and uncle, Carrie and Jack Clarke.
Upon graduation from Ukiah High School, Russell enlisted into the U.S. Army, where he served until 1946.
Upon his return to Ukiah he changed his name to Russell Clarke and began working in the family business, the Pioneer Company.
Russell married Mary Edith Buhn and together they had three children. Judi Lanzit, Stan Clarke and Janine Gallagher.
Russell was later divorced and married to Jeanne L. Dausse. They remained married until Jeanne’s death in 2000.
Russell was very active in his community. He was a member of the Ukiah Host Lion’s Club, the Masonic Temple, The Mendocino Co. Fair Board, the Young Republicans, Ukiah City Council and a Board Member for the Ukiah Valley Fire District. Most notably he was passionately involved in the Ukiah Elks Lodge 1728, for most of his life.
Russell was an active National Guard Reservist, and later became an active U.S. Army Reservist, retiring as a Captain. His interests included genealogy and the Monarchs of the world.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanne, his son Stan, his sister Phyllis “Ilene” Hamilton, his foster brother Bim Clarke and his nephew Robert Hamilton. He is survived by Judi and John Lanzit, Janine and Mike Gallagher, daughter-in-law Carol Clarke, seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and nephew William Hamilton.
A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ukiah Elks Lodge.
Donations may be made to the Ukiah Elks Lodge.
Eversole Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.