God Created a Farmer…and so much more William Clarke Brown unexpectedly passed away on July 23, 2014 at the age of 87. He was born January 11,1927 in Davisville, Idaho to Melverton and Inez Balls Brown. He grew up attending schools in Alexander, Montpelier and Soda Springs. He enlisted in the Navy during his Senior year of high school and finished school by correspondence. His Dad received his diploma for him. He came home and started working for the Agricultural Department and met Nina Mae Ater, who had come to Soda Springs from Texas to teach Home Economics. They were married June 16, 1948 in Abilene, Texas. They came back and made their home in Soda Springs where they raised their three children, Diane, Scott, and Carol. He worked for Monsanto, and served as Deputy Assessor for 12 years before being elected as Assessor in 1978. He served one term before retiring from public life in 1982. He was a member of the American Legion and the Draft Board. He served on the School Board for 7 years, 4 years as chairman. In 1963 he and Nina bought the China Hat farm and began their farming career. He loved to farm and eventually that became his full time occupation, with Nina right by his side. Last year they celebrated 50 years of farming. He had a name for every farm, every truck and every piece of equipment that he owned. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends. His favorite fishing spots were the Salmon River and the Blackfoot Reservoir. Over the years their group of close friends took many trips together including cruises, campouts, and excursions to the midwest to bring back school buses. He looked forward to enjoying The Clarke Brown Family Campout every year as each family took a turn hosting. He always had a desire to own a restaurant. In 1991, he and Nina opened the Jordan View Arctic Circle in West Jordan, Utah. Then in 2001 they and their daughter Carol and her husband Kevin opened the Ground Round/Firehouse Grill in Idaho Falls. He and Nina have enjoyed spending their winters in Pensacola, Florida, South Padre Island, Texas and Lake Havasu, Arizona. He loved the sound of the ocean. He is a member of the LDS Church. Clarke is survived by his wife Nina, children Diane (Doug), Scott (Diane) and Carol (Kevin), grandchildren Stacy (Steve), Matthew (Cui), Kyle (Emily), Shelly (Levi), Jeremy (Brittany), Kyah and Tawnie, Step grandchildren Nate (Candice), Jeff (fiancé Brooke) and Drew and 10 great-grandchildren. Also survived by his brother Ralph (Della) and his sister Sheryl (Grant) and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Melverton and Inez, brothers Keith and LaMar and sister Ruth. Also preceded in death by step-grandson Zach LaFleur. Viewing will be held Monday night from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Sims Funeral home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 29 at 11:00 with a viewing one hour before at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center. Listen to the Service: