Gary Clark, 90, Ames, Iowa
AMES, Iowa—Gary Sherman Clark, age 90, of Ames, and formerly of Roland and Boone, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the Independence Village of Ames.
Gary was born January 23, 1936, in Boone, IA, the son of David and Jeanette (Duffy) Clark. He attended Sacred Heart School in Boone, where he graduated with the class of 1954. While growing up Gary worked parttime at his uncle, Regis Duffy’s appliance store.
He served in the Army National Guard during his junior and senior years in school. Gary then joined the United States Air Force in 1955.
Gary met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Adams, while working at Massey Ferguson in Racine, WI. They were united in marriage on September 21, 1963, in Racine. Two children were born to this union: Catherine and Dave. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and grandfather.
Throughout his life, Gary held various jobs in management and sales, and retired from the Iowa State University Bookstore Textbook Department. He enjoyed coaching little league, drawing, reading, listening to the radio to talk shows, but especially Iowa State football and basketball games and staying up to date on his grandchildren’s activities. Above all, however, he was filled a renewed Faith in God, the center of his life. He led by example with quiet strength, fortitude, integrity, and fidelity to his family. He was quick to share his wisdom and wonderful wit, and he always encouraged his family with the constant reminder that, “I’m proud of you, keep up the good work!” He deeply touched the lives of so many that knew and loved him too.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Clark; parents, David and Jeanette; step father, Earl Elliott; and his sister, Martha Ballantyne.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Catherine (Jeff) Boman of Roland; son, Dave (Missy) Clark of Kansas City, KS; 10 grandchildren: Chelsea (Keith) Shimp, Spencer Steward, Zachary Steward, Noah Steward, MaryBeth (Jake) Rosen, Cal Clark, Ruby (Cameron) Leisinger, Reed Boman, Jack Boman, and Max Boman; and his sister, Joanne Hansson of Boone.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street, Boone, with a Rosary recited at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the Church of the Sacred Heart, 915 12th Street, Boone, with Rev. Timothy Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Boone, with Military Honors conducted by the Boone Veterans Council. The family would like to invite everyone to join them for a luncheon in the parish hall following the Burial.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left for Gary’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
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