LeVon Chester Clarkson, 68, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016, at 1:30 a.m. at Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne. He was born on February 29, 1948 in Elkhart to Thomas Raymond and Alice Lou Helen (Barnes) Clarkson, both of whom preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death are his wife, Bobbie Joe and son, Mark Clarkson.

He has nine surviving siblings: Thomas Raymond (Benesby) Clarkson III, Los Angeles, CA, Clarence Sylvester (Beverly) Clarkson, of Los Angeles, CA, RoseMary Clarkson-Henderson, Michigan City, Randy Morris (Shirley) Clarkson, Ft. Wayne, Ronald Stanley Clarkson, Ft. Wayne, Irving Cecil Clarkson, Ft. Wayne, Rachel Clarkson, Michigan City, Harriett Alberta (Edward) Lewis, Elkhart, and Quintilla Victoria Clarkson, Elkhart. He has five God-children, Rochelle Blair, Amy Burnett, Terry Burnett, Nathan Mitchell, and Anthony Burnett, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. LeVon attended Lincoln Elementary, Pierre Moran Jr. High, and Elkhart Central High School, and was an outstanding all-around athlete. Because of his athletic abilities, he was better known as, "Tank" by family and friends. Later in life, one of his favorite relaxation activities was playing Bingo, where he acquired another nick name, "Cookie".

He was a soldier in the U.S. Army for two years, in which time he fought in the Vietnam War. He received the Military Order of the Purple Heart for wounds he received while saving other lives. He was a specialist in artillery and explosives.

After serving his country, he was employed at numerous occupations, including Penn Central Station (Driver), Ace Cab (Driver), Holiday Inn (Cook), and Elkhart Rubber Work Factory.

Friends may call from 11 am, until the memorial service at 12 pm (Noon), Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Agape Missionary Church with the Reverend Stevie Barnes officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Rice Cemetery, where full military honors will be rendered.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital.