1932 – 2013

AUBURN — Ralph E. Clarke, 80, of Blayne Street in Dixfield, died Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Hospice House in Auburn.

He was born in Framingham, Mass., on Dec. 13, 1932, the son of Ralph L. and Frances I. (Evans) Clarke. He graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford, Class of 1950, and attended Boston University for a year. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant during the Korean War and attended the University of Maine at Orono. For many years, he and his brother, Lynden, (both master plumbers) owned and operated their father’s business, R. L. Clarke Inc. Plumbing and Heating, in Rumford, until his retirement.

Ralph was very active in town affairs, including the Harlow Park Trustees, Dixfield Police Commission, Planning Board, Water Advisory Board and was the moderator of town meetings for many years. He was also active in Little League, Cub Scouts and Rumford Area Youth Hockey. He served as master of two Masonic lodges in the area: Blazing Star Lodge in Rumford and King Hiram Lodge in Dixfield. Ralph was a member of the Masonic order for more than 55 years and was very involved with the Masonic Child Identification Program (CHIP).

He was also a former member of the Rumford Royal Arch Chapter, past commander and former member of Strathglass Commandry, Kora Temple Shrine and Kora Funsters. Ralph was also a past president of the Rumford Rotary Club and king lion of the Dixfield Lions Club. In May 2010, he was honored as Dixfield’s distinguished citizen.

He was married in Rumford on Aug. 5, 1961, to Norine E. Hunt, of Dixfield, who survives him. Other survivors include his sons, Ralph Brian Clarke and wife, Maureen, of West Hartford, Conn., and Neil H. Clarke and wife, Allyn, of Monroe, N.H.; daughter, Melanie A. Clarke of Auburn; grandsons, Benjamin Clarke of Lincoln, N.H., and Matthew Clarke of Littleton, N.H.; sister-in-law, Barbara Clarke of Rumford; and his nephews, Gregory, Jeffrey and Lynden Clarke Jr.

He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Lynden Clarke.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and memories at www.meaderandson.com.