Jerry Bruce Clark

December 30, 2021, Jesus came for Jerry and took him to heaven as He promised. Jerry and his wife, Connie became Christians at University Presbyterian Church in 1977, Bob Scott was their Pastor. From then, on Bible study with a small group, weekly or every other, became their habit. They made life long friends around God's Word and it made life good! Jerry is survived by his wife, Connie and their children, Jason Bryan Clark and Jacquelyn McNatt Clark Davies. And grandchildren Javin Clark, Las Cruces and Calvin and Corinne Davies, High Point, NC.



Jerry was born in Carlsbad, NM, September 5, 1945 to his parents Julian Buryl Clark and Edna Lois McNatt. His father was a real cowboy, worked ranches in AZ, in Alamogordo, a heavy equipment driver. Edna Lois was a reading and English teacher all of her career. Jerry and his family moved to Alamogordo when he was three. Many of the McNatts lived there. These were pioneers that had lived in very rough conditions in the Sacramento Mountains before they settled in Alamogordo. He had a great time with friends and played baseball. He did that until he decided he needed a job and became a paper boy and learned how to work hard for his money. He excelled at school in history, Science, and literature. When he took debate he found his life long hobby. He joined the HS debate team and loved the research and art of persuasion! In life he used this skill frequently to teach facts and drive you crazy! He graduated from Alamogordo HS in 1963 and entered NMSU on a Physical Science Laboratory Scholarship and a USAF Reserve Officer Training Scholarship. He also worked at the college bookstore to help pay for college. Debate team, bowling team, Arnold Air Society (USAF Fraternal organization) and intramural sports were his extracurricular activities. He graduated in 1967, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and was awarded the Distinguished Military Cadet, AFROTC New Mexico State University.



In February, 1968, he received his Second Lieutenant rank and began Pilot Training at Webb AFB, Big Spring, TX. There he learned how to fly jet planes, the T-37 and T-38! Upon graduation, March 69, he began training at Hulbert Field, Ft. Walton Beach, FL in the 123K Transport to fly in the Vietnam War. From June, '69 to May '70, he flew cargo out of Phan Rang into short air strips, pushed the cargo out and got out of there speedily! He was awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses and an Air Medal for flying into dangerous situations. Next job, July-to December 1970, he learned how to fly the B-52D/H models at Castle AFB, CA. This plane was a 488,000 lb., eight engine nuclear bomber aircraft! He was only 26 years old! Stationed in the snowy UP at Kincheloe AFB, Jerry flew with the 449th Bomb wing from 1971-1974 and became an aircraft commander and Captain.



Jerry was a committed husband and father to his children. He faithfully got ready for church every Sunday and family followed his example. We went to Sunday school too. He thought it was important and did this until his end. Our children loved Soccer and he became their coach from elementary through High School, also refereed.



After leaving the service, he was fortunate to find a job in civilian aviation work with an upstart regional carrier, Zia Airlines based first in Santa Fe and then in Las Cruces, NM. Jerry began as a pilot and learned all other roles, then became Director of Operations. They flew two Cessna 402s, then a 20 passenger turbo-jet. This fun, but hard job lasted from '75-80.



God provided another way to fly. Satellites! From 1980-2000, he worked for Contel, GTE, and finally General Dynamics as a satellite engineer/systems engineer using his Physics degree for TDRSS (Tracking Data Relay Satellite Systems engineer at the LBJ Space Center White Sands Missile Range, Las Cruces. He became the TDRS Flight Director for all the launched of ten satellites. He then transferred to the General Dynamics Spaceplex on the NMSU campus to take on Advanced Planning and Procurement, finding other satellite contracts for the business.



In retirement starting in 2008, the TEA Party came into existence and Jerry was elected President in Las Cruces. Constitutional values of smaller government, fewer taxes, and personal freedom were the themes. We had exciting meetings and about two hundred members plus interested people would show up for rallies. After the 2012 election, he started the Las Cruces Sons of Liberty using Hillsdale College's Constitutional videos and discussion questions with the goal of teaching about the Founding Fathers philosophy of good governing and the creation of America under God. This group lasted 3 years and members attended 125 meetings! Groups like these sounded the alarm about the Progressive destructive and corrosive intentions that would destroy America's ideals that built a strong and independent country for free people! Another of his hobbies was investing in the Samson Switch blade, a car/plane! He developed presentations to give to EAAs all over NM and even into AZ to spread the news! It's getting ready to fly, but Jerry will have to hear about it in heaven. God Bless you, Jerry! He had a fulfilling life, children, grandchildren, and a good church. Thank you, Lord! Connie Clark, January 11, 2022.



Services will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 at University Presbyterian Church beginning at 10:00 am

Followed with reception at the church. Burial with Military Honors will take place at 2:00 pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery leaving church at 12:30 pm with escort.



In Lieu of flowers family ask that you please make donations to Mesilla Valley Hospice 299 E. Montana., Las Cruces, NM 88005 or EAA Chapter 555 PO Box 791 Fair Acres, NM 88033.