Bob’s obituary refers to him as an “athletic star” and lists his many athletic awards and accomplishments. His family started an athletic fund in his memory.
Date of birth: 12 August 1947 Date tour began: 9 July 1968 Date of casualty: 26 August 1968 Home of record: West Linn, Oregon Branch and Rank: Marine Corps, Private First Class, Rifleman Unit: D Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division Awards: National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon Location of name on the Vietnam Wall: 46W, 27
Location of service: South Vietnam, Quang Tri province Died through hostile action.
Schools attended: West Linn High School, Oregon State University, Eastern Oregon College Burial location: Willamette National Cemetery Memorials: Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Washington, DC), Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Portland),, Veterans Memorial Coliseum (Portland)
Bobby, you were taken from us almost 33 years ago, and I still hurt. I named my second son after you and the lord decided his place was with you. I know you are looking out for him, as you looked out for me when we were kids. I have been to The Wall and have a rubbing of your name on my wall in work. I remember playing "army" in the woods near your house, we were the "Good Guys", and we could never be hurt. Why do things have to change as we grow up? I know you died doing what you believed in, and you will always be a hero. ******************************************************************** Never Forgotten Not a day goes by that we don't think of you and miss you. Mom and Dad ******************************************************************** My Friend Bob, it's been 36 years and I still think of you. My childhood friend, you were as important to me as any blood relation. We didn't have the same parents, but we were and are brothers in my heart and mind. Rest easy my brother, my friend ******************************************************************** My Brother You were and remain my hero, my brother. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. How our lives would have been so different for all of us had you not been killed. I miss you, I love you and I know you watch over me.Love and hugs, always in my heart.
The Oregonian, Thursday, September 5, 1968 PFC. ROBERT W. CLARKE The Defense Department has reported the death of Pfc. Robert Wayne Clarke, U.S. Marine Corps, in action Aug. 26 in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. Pfc. Clarke was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William J. Clarke of West Linn. An athletic star and active in student affairs, young Clarke was graduated from West Linn High School in 1965. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa. Aug. 12, 1947, and moved with his family to West Linn in 1961. At West Linn High he played on the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams. He was captain of the baseball team, chosen most valuable player in the TYV League, and played on the All-Star Team in his senior year. He had completed two years at Oregon State University and transferred to Eastern Oregon College in his junior year before joining the Marines in January, 1968. He was a member of the 1st Marine Division. He is survived by his mother and father, a brother, John and a sister, Patti, all of West Linn. Funeral arrangements are pending the arrival of the body. A military service is planned with burial at Willamette National. The family suggests remembrances be contributions to the Bob Clarke Athletic Fund, West Linn High School.
The Oregonian, Thursday, September 12, 1968 CLARKE – August 26 in Vietnam, Pfc Robert Wayne, late of 4041 S. Cataroga Circle, West Linn; beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. William I. Clarke; brother of John and Pattie; Grandson of Mrs. William T. Clark and Mr. William Neesen. Services Friday 1:30 pm, Chapel of HOLMAN-HANKINS-RILANCE, Oregon City. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Bob Clarke Memorial Scholarship Fund, West Linn High School.