Submitted by his mother
Wayne Kevin Clarke came to the US in 1971 from Trinidad West Indies. He attended high school in Brooklyn‚ New York‚ played football for his school and received trophies for Best Offensive Back.
After graduating from school‚ he joined the US Air Force. He was stationed in California‚ Japan‚ New York‚ Texas‚ Korea and Colorado. He retired in 1997 after serving 20 years. He also helped at soup kitchens on the holidays when he was in the States. Wayne’s rank was Staff Sergeant when he retired. He always felt that his role in life was helping people. After retiring‚ he worked with troubled kids in a halfway house in Altus‚ Oklahoma. He then got a full-time job with the Texas Department of Human Services. Some of his coworkers told us how he tutored their kids and helped other people in need. He worked there for 3 years and then went over to the fire department.
Wayne’s dream was to become a Paramedic. This was realized when he was accepted as a recruit with the Dallas Fire and Rescue Department. He was so happy and excited‚ but on February 12‚ 2003‚ he collapsed and died while training. This was quite a shock since he had just left his home and family. It seemed so unreal. He leaves his wife Jin‚ a daughter‚ Nakome – she was just three years old‚ a son Hyun Woo – he was nine‚ his mom and dad – Elsa and Gerry‚ his two brothers – Kerryshane and Kern and their wives‚ his two nieces‚ three nephews and other family members. He was 46 years old.
He was such a joy to be around. The many people who told us of all the things he did and what a wonderful person he was and that they will never forget him – it really filled our hearts. The many phone calls and acknowledgements of him made us even more proud of our beloved son‚ brother‚ husband and father. We love him and miss him‚ but he will live on in our hearts. At our 50th wedding anniversary in 2001‚ he was Master of Ceremonies‚ and he did such a wonderful job. All the family enjoyed seeing him. It was such a joy to have our three sons and their families. They had so much fun with each other we saw them as kids again.
All our love now‚ always and forever.
I was at Griffiss AFB with Wayne for 4 years – He was the first person to introduce me to Curry..lol. We spent a lot of time together. His love of life and living has taught me to love life to the fullest. I LOVED him dearly and was truly blessed to have him in my life.
– sue sheppard