CLARKE, JR., John Scott (Scotty)

West Valley View, Avondale, AZ Friday, December 30, 2011 John Scott "Scotty" Clarke Jr., 89 of Litchfield Park, a retired Air Force colonel, died Dec. 26, 2011, at Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix. Mr. Clarke was born July 11, 1922, in Dinwiddie, Va., to John and Nora Hawkens Clarke. He moved to Arizona in 1970 and was a member of the Church at Litchfield Park, Wigwam Golf and Country Club, Order of the Daedalians and the Quiet Birds. He was promoted to the rank of colonel in 1966 and was serving as commander of the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke Air Force Base when he retired from the Air Force in 1972. He held various leadership roles, including squadron commander and wing commander, was a decorated veteran who served from the end of World War II to the Vietnam War, flying the P-51 Mustang fighter-bomber over Europe to the F-4 Phantom over Vietnam. His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Legion of Merit, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the Vietnam Service Medal. He is survived by his wife, Isabel; three daughters, Patty Emmert, Isabelle Clarke and Janet Jones; one son, Bill; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Services will be private. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.AvenidasFuneralChapel.com.