Kankakee Valley Post, Volume 16, Number 22, DeMotte, Jasper County, 12 April 1946 — FORMER WHEATFIELD BOY KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT [ARTICLE]

FORMER WHEATFIELD BOY KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENT

A peacetime military parade ironically cost the life of Pvt. George E. Clarke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fay Clarke of near Rensselaer, who served over five months in the European theatre without injury. The youth died Saturday of injuries received during an army day celebration in Baltimore, Mil., when two cars collided, a message received here by the parents stated. The young man was born in Jasper county February 22, 1926, the son of Faye Clarke and Alice (Coen! Clarke. His schooling was gained in the Wheatficld and Mt. Ayr systems. He entered the service May 4, PJ44, and went overseas in February, lit4s, remaining in Europe until August, 1!)45, spending five monhs in France, lie was a member of the 82nd air borne division. His first United States service was at Camp Croft, S. C„ followed by duty at Fort McClellan, Ga. It was from the latter camp that he sailed for France. Upon his return to the Staes he was assigned to Fort Bragg, N. C., where he was serving when he was delegated with other troops to participate in the Baltimore Army Day parade which was formed at Fort George Meade, Baltimore. Last December sth, Pvt. Clarke was united in marriage to Miss Jesse Bolden of Lake Village, who has been making her home in Glenwood, 111., during his service east. Surviving besides the widow and parents, are three brothers, Robert, Russell and James, and his paternal grandmother, Mrs. P. W. Clarke of Rensselaer and an aunt, Miss Mae Clarke, also of Rensselaer, and another aunt, Mrs. Ernest Moore of Morocco, other relatives and many friends. The death of this young man came as a tremendous shock to the family and his many friends throughout the county. He was a young man if exemplary habits, ambitious and possessed of a lovable personality that attracted the friendship of all who knew him. He was greatly admired by all and in his passing many hearts are sorrowed. The sympathy of all is extended to the bereaved family.