Milton Charles Clarke

Milton Charles Clarke, 88, passed away on February 24, 2017 unexpectedly, but quickly and peacefully at home. A long-time resident of and attorney in Kansas City, Milt was born in Chicago, IL on January 31, 1929 to Gordon Robert Clarke and Senoria Josephine (Carlisa) Clarke. Growing up, he played baseball and golf, earned Eagle Scout honors, worked at his grandfather's neighborhood service station, and was an accomplished pianist. Favorite memories included Cubs' games at Wrigley Field and special dinners at the Palmer House restaurant downtown.

He graduated from Austin High School in 1946. He was Commander of the Austin High School R.O.T.C. battalion, which he led to top honors in the City of Chicago that year. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 1950 from Northwestern University School of Commerce (Evanston, IL) and a JD in 1953 from Northwestern University School of Law (Chicago). It was in law school that he met and courted his future wife, Dorothy (Brodie) Clarke.

After completing his legal studies, Milt served with Army Intelligence in Tokyo during the Korean War.

Milt and Dorothy married on February 19, 1955 in LaGrange, IL. They lived in Madison, WI before moving to Kansas City, where Milt began his legal career at the Swanson Midgely law firm. He practiced there for the next 35 years. He was a lawyer through and through, representing large corporations, small businesses, and individuals in everything from complex commercial litigation to trusts, estates, tax, and family matters. He served on the Kansas City MO Board of Zoning Appeals for many years, including as Chair from 1972-1973. The consummate professional, he was always calm, thorough, and reassuring. He was a member of the University Club as well as the Kansas City chapter of Rotary International, and he and Dorothy enjoyed hosting and attending Rotary events for many years.

After retiring from Swanson Midgely, Milt represented clients on a more limited basis as Counsel with Olson & Talpers.

Milt's interests and talents were as varied as his work. An avid reader, he enjoyed completing the New York Times crossword each day, typically in pen. In fact, he and Dorothy shared crossword puzzles during class in Northwestern Law's Lincoln Hall. Together he and Dorothy taught Junior Great Books and Sunday School at Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed woodworking and refinishing furniture, including constructing a sailboat which the whole family sailed on annual vacations in Florida and Minnesota. He also sailed locally at Lake Jacomo. The largest restoration project he undertook was the house at 55th and Ward Parkway.

As a father, he provided unwavering support for his three daughters in whatever endeavors they chose, from music lessons and musical theatre to volunteer work in Central America, ice skating, and raising rabbits. He enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren and was keenly interested in and proud of their activities and achievements.

For all the years he lived in Kansas City, Milt stayed true to his Chicago roots, treasuring reunions with Austin High School friends and savoring the Cubs' World Series win this past fall.

Milt was preceded in death by his older brother, Gordon Clarke. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dorothy Clarke; daughters Laura Clarke-Steffen (Bob) of Phoenix, AZ, Virginia Clarke of New York, NY, and S. Katherine Clarke of Alexandria, VA; and grandchildren Kathryn Brady of New York, NY, Caroline Brady of Arlington, VA, and Jack Brady of New York, NY.

Visitation will be at 10 am followed by service at 11am on Thursday March 2 at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home. Burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Rotary International of Kansas City or Veterans of Foreign Wars. Online condolences at www.mtmoriah.net.