Van Russell Clary

Van Russell Clary, son of the late John and Ida Mae (Stevens) Clary, was born on January 12, 1923 in Cabool, Missouri, and passed away on May 16, 2007 in the Kabul Nursing Home, Cabool, Missouri, following a long illness. He was 84 years, 4 months, and 4 days of age.
Van grew up in the Cabool and Mtn. Grove areas and served his country in the United States Army/Air Force during World War II and was honorably discharged on December 21, 1945.
He was united in marriage to Betty Lou Jones and two children were born to this union. He was later married to Juanita White who preceded him in death in 1975.
Van was employed as a tire wholesaler in the Cabool area. He was a member of the Emmanual Baptist Church in Mtn. Grove and enjoyed attending services as long as his health permitted. He truly enjoyed life and serving the Lord.
In his spare time, he liked to fish and made his own homemade lures and jigs. He loved helping others, whether it was taking them to doctor’s appointments, move, or whatever their need was. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He had a great sense of humor and also enjoyed playing pranks and jokes on others and making those around him laugh.
Besides his parents and his wife Juanita, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter: Jaimie Celeste Donnelly; and by two brothers: Faye W. Clary and an infant brother, Wayne N. Clary.
He is survived by one son, Danny Clary of Mtn. Grove, Missouri; one daughter: Russelle Ann Donnelly and her husband, James, of Unionville, Nevada; one step-son: Stanley White of Cabool, Missouri; three grandchildren: James P. Donnelly, III, John L. Donnelly, and Eamonn M. Donnelly; and a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him very much.
Funeral services for Van Clary were held Saturday, May 19, 10:00 AM in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel with Rev. Wayne Cannon and Rev. Edwin Cline officiating. Jo Burton accompanied by Bunny Allen sang “How Great Thou Art,” “One Day At A Time,” and “In The Garden.” Pallbearers were Stan White, Jim Donnelly, Eamonn, Donnelly, Danny Clary, Kevin Clary, and Bruce Clary. Full military honors were given at the cemetery by the American Legion Post 30 with Jared Moore serving as bugler. Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Missouri.