Charles “Sonny” J. Clarke, 91 years of age, of Beatrice passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born on April 12, 1933, in St. Charles, Iowa to Charles R and Mabel (Hess) Clarke. Sonny graduated from Truro High School in Truro, Iowa with the class of 1951 and started working for the natural gas company.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army and entered active duty on August 5, 1955, serving his country until being honorably discharged on May 31, 1957.  In 1958, Sonny was united in marriage to Marianne Guschelbauer at a castle in Bad Homburg, Germany.  To this union a son, Frank, was born. After his military service, Sonny returned home and continued working for the natural gas company.  He was transferred to Beatrice, Nebraska in 1960, where he continued working until retiring in 1994.  He then purchased a Kenworth semi-truck and began trucking until retiring from the road in 2010.

 Sonny is survived by his life partner Marianne of Beatrice; son Frank Clarke of Beatrice, grandson Frankie Clarke of Yutan, NE; great-granddaughter Reese Clarke of Yutan, NE; brothers: Norman Clarke of Des Moines, IA; Jerry Clarke and wife Charlotte of Truro, IA; sister Judy Bedwell and husband Ross of St. Charles, IA; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Edna Shreeves-Keton, Lyla (Harold) Waller, Norma (Larry) Lunnon, Cleo (Paul) Roby, and Dorthea (Bill) Edmonds, brother Phillip (Carol) Clarke, sister-in-law Nancy Clarke, and daughter-in-law Cindy Clarke.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, June 7, 2024, at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice with Chaplain Sharon Schuster officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice in care of the mortuary. Condolences may be left online at www.harmanwrightmortuary.com. Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.