Gerald Clark

    Gerald McLendon Clark of Edna passed away at the age of 81 on Oct. 27, 2016.  He was born on Jan. 7, 1935 in Bay City to Silburn Jefferson Clark, Sr. and Gussie Lee Mclendon Clark.     Gerald committed himself to public service early on in his life, attending Texas Christian University and the University of Texas before eventually earning his degree in Behavioral Sciences at the University of Houston in Victoria. He also served in the U.S. Army as a counter-intelligence special agent in Italy before returning home to the business of farming and ranching.       As a farmer, he served his community in many capacities, including being a president of the Jackson County Farm Bureau and serving on the State Committee of the Farm Service Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, where he helped shape national agriculture policy. He has been an active member of the Edna Rotary since around 1965, he has served as president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. He was awarded both the Paul Harris Award and Rotarian of the year. He was also a Director of First Prosperity Bank, a member of the Victoria Symphony Board, and a precinct chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Party.     His family and friends will remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, but also as a compassionate leader for the social and environmental issues, a true renaissance man, and an avid Longhorn Fan.     Gerald is survived by his loving wife: Almetta Sue Clark and their three children: Gerald Clark, Jr. and his wife Sharla; Christy Clark and Julie Kay Clark. Remembering him fondly are also his six grandchildren: Rocky, Wayne, Brandy, Austin, Tristan, Dylan and Catherine.     Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, and also his brother Siburn Jefferson Clark, Jr.     In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to The First United Methodist Church of Edna - Air conditioning fund, P. O. Box 790, Edna, TX  77957. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at 11:30 am on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at First United Methodist Church of Edna with Pastor Adam Knapp officiating.     Services have been entrusted to Russell Todish of Slavik Funeral Home, Edna, 361-782-2152.