Jerry Clark

Jerry Lee Clark
November 10, 1939 ~ June 19, 2024 (age 84)

Jerry Lee Clark passed away at the Comfort House of Pella on June 19, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. Jerry was born on November 10,1939 to Jennie (Bailey) Clark on the family farm east of Altoona, IA. He attended Altoona Public Schools until he moved to Laurel, IA in 1953 and lived with Everett Eibs on his farm until June of 1957. Jerry had some of his best childhood memories farming with Everett. In 1957, Jerry moved to Santa Monica, CA and then enlisted in the Marines. He began his service on December 4, 1957 and was honorably discharged on January 13, 1961.

Jerry was united in marriage to Mary Lou Barnes on October 5, 1963 at the Methodist Church in Mitchellville, IA and they have three children from this union. In 1978, they moved to Prairie City, IA, where they raised their children and remain to this day.
Jerry received his GED in 1968 and received his diesel mechanic degree from DMACC in 1991. He drove over the road for many years for All American Freight and retired from Inland Truck Parts in 2000.

Jerry was well liked by all who knew him. His hobbies through the years included helping his children raise 4-H animals, repairing cars, hunting, farming, farm tractors, reading books, traveling, babysitting his grandkids, talking about history and military battles with his grandson Quinton, and sneaking chocolate chip cookies every now and then. Jerry was never without a dog in his life, and his much beloved Lucy was with him at the end.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, of 60 years; children Douglas (Christine) Clark of Zearing IA, DeAnn McCann of Ankeny IA and Darin (Tracy) Clark of Monroe, IA; grandchildren Kayla (Nicholas) Wallace, Quinton (Courtney) Clark, Dakota Clark, Tristan Clark, Caitlan (Nate) Andress, Connor (fiancée Jackie) Clark, Leah McCann and Victoria McCann; Great Grandchildren Lily Clark, Elijah Clark and Milena Andress; half-sister Karen Dawes; brothers-in-law William Barnes, Robert Barnes and Harry Beukema; sisters-in-law Leticia Beukema and Kay Barnes; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Jennie and stepfather Lloyd Cafferty; grandparents Cyrus and Marilla Clark and Jesse and Maude Bailey; brother Dale Clark; sister and brother-in-law Virginia and John Whitaker; father-in-law and mother-in-law Vercel and Mabel Barnes; sisters-in-law Alice Barnes and Teresa Clark; two nephews and Everett Eibs.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday July 7, 2024 at the Mitchellville Community Center from 1-3pm with an interment at the Veterans Military Cemetery in Van Meter on Tuesday July 9, 2024 at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Comfort House in Pella, IA and Monroe Public Library in Monroe, IA.

The two things Jerry was most proud of were his family and being a Marine. Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fidelis!

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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