Ronald P. Clarke age 76 of Great Mills, MD passed on October 13, 2006 at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. Born December 14, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, he is preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Paul and Beatrice Clarke.

Ron as known to all his friends was the loving husband of Florence Faye Clarke and was the beloved father of Donna Connell, Rocky Clarke, Robin Deibler and Ronnie Gene Clarke and was also the loving guidance of step-daughter Victoria Lynn Richardson who also preceded him in death. Additionally, he leaves behind six grandchildren who miss him dearly.

Ron was well known in St. Mary's County and the surrounding counties for his many contributions to the area. He retired from the United States Navy in 1966. He entered the St. Mary's County Sheriffs Department in 1968, where he rose to rank to Lieutenant and became the first deputy to retire from the Sheriffs Department when he retired in 1988. He was one of the founding members of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge # 7 on Chancellors Run Road in Great Mills, Maryland.

Ron was an avid sports lover and fan. He was a true Washington Redskins fan who attended many games. During his younger years Ron was an exceptional softball player who played in the Men's Slow-Pitch League and was voted into the St. Mary's County Men's Softball Hall of Fame in 1988.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, 21 October 2006 at 12:00 p.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church on Route 235 in Lexington Park, MD. Family and friends are invited to a reception in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church hall immediately following.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.