POY Nominee: Gary Clarke — Small-town grocer and community volunteer

Gary Clarke moved to Newcastle with his wife, Brenda, in 1981 from Gering, Nebraska. He and his wife grew up there and had no intention of leaving, but the pair had only been married for two weeks before Clarke was being transferred. Clarke worked for Safeway in Gering at the time and was transferred to the Newcastle location. He proceeded to work for Safeway for 11 years before taking his talents to a local brand, and has now been with Decker’s Market for 32 years and counting.

“I said we’ll live in Newcastle for one year,” Clarke said. “Well, 43 years later we are still here and the roots are deep.”

From catering to volunteer work in the schools, Clarke has proven that he shows up for the community. He makes it a point to help out with the school district.

“I think our school systems are awesome,” he said.

It has been noted that Clarke attends as many home Dogies events as he can. A portion of his attendance is accredited to his work for the football team as a ball boy, a job he has performed at Dogies football games for 26 years.

“I can’t see anyone else taking that job because he has been there for so long,” said Matt Conzelman, head high school football coach. “The players, in a four-year span, they know who he is, and he builds a relationship with those kids too.”

Bryce Hoffman, Clarke’s son-in-law, has also seen how Clarke has continued to be there for Dogie sports.

“He’s quite the staple on the sideline,” Hoffman said.

Besides the ball boy role, Clarke just loves to support Dogie sports in general.

“If there is a home Dogie event, he is there with his wife,” said Robert Munger, a middle school history teacher and Clarke’s neighbor of 31 years.

Outside of the sports aspect, Clarke enjoys volunteering for the school district in other ways, and he has gone to Mallo on the annual fifth grade trip for 27 years.

Brad LaCroix, superintendent of Weston County School District No. 1 schools, has known Clarke as a golfer, father and businessman. Through Clarke’s work for the schools and because his kids have been enrolled in those schools, LaCroix had the opportunity to observe Clarke in many different roles.

“He has always been very good to his kids, but he always looked out for other kids as well,” LaCroix said.

In addition to what he has done for students, Clarke has also made an effort to look after the school staff.

“He always comes and helps with staff meals,” said Sheila Munger, Clarke’s friend and neighbor.

Clarke is able to contribute through events such as staff meals because of the commitment to community shared by his employers at Decker’s. He has provided watermelons for the Watermelon Run over the years and can also be seen serving hot dogs at the county fair for Fun Days.

Working in the grocery business in a small-town community has also given Clarke the opportunity to meet and speak with almost everyone in Newcastle.

“When you work in the grocery business, you see a lot of people,” Hoffman said. “He’s a face of the community that many people see many times a week.”

Before Clarke became Hoffman’s father-in-law, he was the NHS principal’s manager when Hoffman worked at Decker’s years ago and Hoffman has had the opportunity to see Clarke’s role in the business evolve over time.

Working in the grocery business isn’t necessarily what makes Clarke a notable person in the small town he chose to call home, but his personality creates an impression that sticks with people.

“In the community he is a prominent figure, he is so personable,” Conzelman said. “When you go into Deckers, you look forward to seeing him.”

Clarke is also an active member of the local country club, and he and Conzelman have been golf partners for a number of years, the football coach has watched him form other friendships there.

“Life is about building your relationships; you build your friend circle, and he’s got to be part of that,” Conzelman said.

Robert Munger has also been able to see how his personality has a positive impact on the neighborhood and community as a whole.

“He is all about everyone else and thinking about what people need,” Munger said, “I think he is just a people person, everyone is a friend not a stranger.”

“He is always very friendly and positive,” Robert’s wife, Sheila, added.

“He is a very good asset to the community because he believes in the community,” agreed James Curren, another longtime friend of Clarke.

“If you put up a Mount Rushmore of Newcastle, he’d be up there,” Conzelman said.

Clarke grew up in another small-town, but chose to plant new roots and raise his own family in Newcastle. He said he loves Newcastle’s giving nature, and wants to continue to give back in any way that he can.

“I have always loved a small-town community,” he said. “It was because I grew up that way.”

“He is definitely one of those quiet leaders, but he leads by example,” LaCroix said. “He probably would not even like the award; his character is not to take the credit.”

Clarke will continue to be involved and lead by example because he thinks that is one of the best things about living in his chosen hometown.

“It is such a fun community to be in, and there is a lot going on,” he said, “I will die here.”