Gerald W. Clary, 91 of Springfield, died on November 16th, 2023 he passed away peacefully with his wife, Shirley, and son, Kevin, by his side.
He dropped out of high school entirely, and at the age of 17 he joined the United States Army. He served with distinction, earning a number of citations, including the Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. He re-enlisted twice, living all over the US and in Germany. He served as a pastor for a short time at First Babtist Church in Wentworth, Missouri.
He later had a 35-year career in the Springfield Public School System and 34 years at Glendale High School. He was a longtime leader in the Ozark Trails Boy Scout Council and loved to share his knowledge of camping and leadership with his peers. In retirement, he became active in the Springfield Neighborhood Association, founding the Oak Grove Neighborhood Association where he served as President for several years.
He is survived by his wife Shirley. His sisters Peggy (Clayton) Thompson and Sue Sunderland of Maryland. His sons Leonard, Phillip, and Kevin (Megan) Clary of Missouri and Glenn (Deborah) Clary of Virginia, daughter Vivian (Fred) Wilner of Minnesota; grandchildren Caris and Nora Clary of Missouri, Andrew (Stephanie) Clary of Michigan, Rachel (Troy) Gatlin of North Carolina, Elizabeth (Zakorey) Madren of Virginia; eight great-grandchidren; Kyle, Sienna, Stone, Stephan, Whitney, Marcus, Myah, and Carter.
In Lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to https://www.myharmonyhouse.org/how-you-can-help/donate-items/.
Greenlawn Funeral Home is making the final arrangements.