Robert Anthony Clarke, age 54, passed away on Friday morning, February 5, 2021 after a lengthy illness.  He was born in Mishawaka, Indiana on June 18, 1966, the son of Robert D.  and Jean (Tilden) Clarke.  As a young man, Robert loved to be in nature and spent a great deal of time exploring the woods.  He particularly delighted in finding rocks and fossils to add to his growing collection.  Though Robert struggled with Dysgraphia, he was determined to pursue wood-working and carving in the Boy Scouts as well as Junior Achievement.  After he graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, Robert began a 20+ year career of service with Nina’s Café.  He found a second family in his coworkers and the regulars who frequented Nina’s.  Robert had an inquisitive mind and wanted to learn all he could about history and outer space.  He avidly read science as well as science fiction.  Robert was adept at putting together the most complex of the Lego kits.   Though he was passionate about his hobbies, Robert even more enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether it was to celebrate birthdays or participate in a Star Wars movie marathon.  Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Clarke and his sister, Sarah Clarke.  He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings, Anne Marie (David) Chavez of Otsego, Michigan; Mary (Richard) Harrison of Coloma, Michigan; Michael Clarke of Kalamazoo, Roger (Dawn) Clarke of Kalamazoo and David (Cassie) Clarke of Shelby Township, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.