Joseph Gary Clarkin, 79, of East Leroy, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at home. He was born on July 30, 1942, the son of Joseph Anthony Clarkin and Ruth Evelyn (Brown) Clarkin.
Gary honorably served his country in the United States Navy. He was a member of the Elks Lodge #131 in Battle Creek, MI and dedicated 35+ years to working at Kellogg as an Electrician up until his retirement. He married the love of his life, Wanda Hart in 1981.
Gary is survived by his wife, Wanda (Hart) Clarkin; step-son, Mike Lowry; step-daughter, Sheri (Scott) Johnson; two grandchildren, Jeff Johnson, Chelsey (Travis) Smith and two great grandchildren, Jaxson Smith and Dylan Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Gary was known as "Mr. Fix It", there was nothing that he couldn't tear apart and put back together again. Gary loved to help, he took pride in helping his son-in-law and daughter when they owned Scooters Hardware where he could be found in the back room. In his younger years, he enjoyed working on cars, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, snow-birding in Florida for the winter and watching NASCAR.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Fort Custer National Cemetery on April 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com