RANGER, Texas – Jerry R. Clark, 69 passed away peacefully Aug. 3, 2012, at his home after a long and courageous battle with diabetes, with his wife of 23 years, Camille Clark by his side, surrounded by family and friends. Jerry was born Sept. 15, 1942, in Hereford, Texas, to Henry Chris Clark and Clovis Adele (Wiggins) Clark.
Jerry graduated from Hereford High School in 1961, where he excelled in football and was selected all conference, which led to a full scholarship to South Western State University, Weatherford, Okla. Jerry also attended the University of Maine. During Vietnam, Jerry joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in many foreign locations around the world during which time he was assigned to the 2nd Maine Division. Later Jerry was assigned to the 9th Maine Division Vietnam as a platoon sergeant. After service in Vietnam, Jerry returned to Quantico, Va., where he was assigned to the Marksmanship Training Unit – MTU. It was during this time that Jerry distinguished himself as a member of All Marine Corps Rifle Team, winning some of the most prestigious matches and many medals, earning him a position as a member of the Marine Corps Distinguished Marksmanship Association. After Jerry’s discharge from the Marine Corps, he joined the U.S. Border Patrol. He completed Border Patrol Academy, Brownsville, Texas, and was assigned to Chula Vista Border Patrol Sector, San Diego. During his career with U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, Jerry held positions in many locations retiring as the canine officer and Marine officer a position where he was a pivotal person in establishing the Marine Unit. After his retirement from USINS, Jerry went to Washington, D.C., to assist in the development of the new Transportation Security Agency – TSA, after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He was instrumental in setting up rapid security solutions at more than 200 locations throughout the U.S. during the screening process of more than seven million people. During Jerry’s long and distinguished career as a law enforcement officer he also was a deputy sheriff, Aroostook County and a police officer with Caribou Police Department. He was also selected as a member of a special escort detail to provide security to Pope John Paul during his visit to the U.S. Jerry was a man of personal conviction, proud of his family and their accomplishments, an American patriot proud of his service to his country as a U.S. Marine, and law enforcement officer who passed from this life to the next with courage and dignity.
He was predeceased by his father and mother; brother, Conrad Clark of Eastland, Texas; former wife and mother of his children, Beverly Clark Koelle of Caribou. He is survived by his loving wife, Martha Camille (Johnson) Clark of Ranger, Texas; sister, Barbara Dell (Clark) McDermitt of Decatur, Texas; daughter, Lisa Kim Clark of Seattle; son, Chris Anthony Clark; daughter-in-law, Robin Clark; grandson, Keith Clark, all of Presque Isle; and stepchildren, Kevin Johnson Borland of Portland, Ore., and Ingrid Mae Borland of Portland, Ore. The family of Jerry Clark extends their heartfelt gratitude to the care givers and staff at Fresenius Medical Care facility where Jerry received his dialysis and a very special and caring Dr. Fakhoury for all the kindness and compassion.
Jerry will be interned in Willamette Valley National Cemetery Portland, Ore. Funeral arrangements will be managed by Edwards Funeral Homes, Ranger, Texas.
Jerry R. Clark
