Gary Clarke

Gary Scott Clarke was born September 3, 1944 and left this world on October 29, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Miller Clarke and Arthur Bartley Clarke. Survivors include his two daughters, Staci Van Derent and Kelly Clarke, his two granddaughters, Tyler and Jessie Van Derent, his brother Bob Clarke, sisters Karen Meason and Patty Jones and a host of nieces and nephews. Gary's early career began in his father-in-law's business, US Enameling. While at US Enameling, Gary was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, which was a pivotal event in his life. Gary served as the "On-Point" position for his troop. To be chosen as the On-Point, the man had to have the most sense about him, pay attention to details and look for and recognize signs that indicate danger. One extremely hot day while leading his troop through the jungles of Vietnam, a Viet Cong sniper sitting in a tree shot Gary twice. As a result of his serious wounds and infections, Gary was hospitalized for a year in Japan and six months in Lawton, Oklahoma. Gary was the recipient of the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Combat Infantry Badge and was permanently retired by reason of physical disability on January 19, 1970. Gary's physical disabilities did not define Gary. Gary went on to live a life of passion and to be a blessing to all who knew him. ABOUT OUR GARY His Passions: Music and Fast Cars Music brought Gary great joy. His first instrument was the trumpet, followed by the piano, then the guitar which were all self-taught. He played in a number of bands in Tulsa and in Eureka Springs. He was the lead guitarist of the rock n' roll and blues band, The Ariels for over 20 years. Gary was a crowd favorite! Not only did he love fast cars, but he enjoyed taking care of them as well. Gary spent hours maintaining his cars, washing and waxing by hand to ensure the finish was sparkling. His Loves Gary glowed with pride and admiration when he spoke of his two beautiful daughters and their accomplishments -- Staci with her successful modeling career and later her entrepreneurship while raising two darling granddaughters, Jessie and Tyler; and Kelly with her athletic and scholastic skills who won a full scholarship to Grinnell College and returned home to become Gary's dedicated and loving caregiver for four years. He deeply loved each of his daughters' mothers -- Debbie and Judy. His Interests and Talents Gary's other interests included camping, fishing, carpentry, and swimming. He was a big fan of Seinfeld and enjoyed eating Sonic hamburgers with a cherry limeade. His Humor It was impossible not to like Gary and liking him quickly turned into loving him. When you asked him how he had slept the night before, he would quickly reply "On my side" and even though you knew he experienced constant pain, he would rather make you smile than have you feel any kind of sadness. He also effortlessly created nicknames for people around him, such as "Heckle & Jeckle" for his granddaughters, Tyler and Jessie. His Friends Gary made lots of friends over his lifetime. His deepest and longest friendships were with Larry Bell, Jimmy Burton, Tommy Gunn, Larry Moss, Ralph Cole, John Paul Jones and Larry Meason. Gary found such joy in these relationships over the years. We will miss our father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend but our Gary will be in our hearts forever. Visitation will be 9AM-11AM, Friday, November 3, 2017 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. with a graveside service following at 12 Noon at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5111 S. Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233

Gary Clarke

September 3, 1944 - October 29, 2017