Clarke Manning's Obituary
Mr. Clarke Manning, age 84, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at the Poppen House. He was born on December 24, 1928 in New York, New York to Charles Tompkins & Mary Ethel (Clarke) Manning and resided in the area for the past 50 years. Clarke worked as a broadcaster for WKBZ radio for many years, before going back to school and receiving his teaching degree from Grand Valley State University. He taught at North Muskegon for over 15 years as an English and Speech teacher before retiring in 1989. Clarke then went on to become the organist at First Presbyterian Church for 18 years. He loved studying meteorology, enjoyed classical music, especially symphonic, organ and choral music. Clarke also belonged to the American Guild of Organists. On June 14, 1952, he married the former Jean Lillian Pumphrey, and she preceded him in death in 2000. Clarke was also preceded in death by a son, Kevin Clarke in 2009. SURVIVORS include his daughter Dortha (David) DeWit of Bettendorf, Iowa; and 2 granddaughters, Carla and Jill DeWit. The MEMORIAL SERVICE will be 3PM Sunday, July 21, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church (2577 Wickham Dr.). VISITATION with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service from 2-3PM. If you would like to send a memorial in Clarke’s name, contributions to the Muskegon County Community Foundation Clarke Manning Scholarship Fund or Blue Lake Public Radio will be appreciated. Share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565.
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