RETIRED MAJOR HUGH VALENTINE CLARY, JR.
Of Chatsworth, CA passed away on September 9, 2013 after a brief battle with cancer.
Clary was born in Pocomoke City, MD to Hugh V. Clary and Helen Mae Bowie. At 18 years old, he joined the service and at 20 he married Sue Howell, with whom he had three children. He became a commissioned officer in 1953, was a member of Air Sea Rescue in Japan for four years, served as a missile safety officer at Vandenberg AFB, CA from 1960 to 1970, where he was a key member of the Atlas Missile Program. After retiring in 1970, Clary worked briefly for US Customs and Immigration before returning to his love of the Air Force through civil service as Safety Manager at El Segundo, CA where he served for twenty-two years.
After retirement, Clary and wife Sue served as docents at the Los Angeles Zoo and manned the voting polls in Chatsworth for many years. He was an active member of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Southern California Industrial Safety Society (SCISS) and National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).
He enjoyed travelling, cruising, and the company of his friends and family. He is survived by Sue, his wife of 63 years; daughter, Susan Clary and her husband Hudson Marquez of Los Angeles, CA; daughter, Kimberly Meeks and her husband Howard Meeks of Las Vegas, NV; and was preceded in death by son, Hugh V. Clary, III.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, September 13th, at the chapel at Oakwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Chatsworth, CA with Interment to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Val, you have been gone a year now. We think of you often and Love & Miss You , think of you often. Hugs & Love The Meek Girls
Debbie Meek- Hill
September 7, 2014
Knowing Val for all these years has been wonderful. He is a great loving person whom I love dearly. Last of the dear men of my parent's village, he will be missed by us all. His fierce loyalty and love for all he just met, knew well or loved deeply is an inspiration to me. Till next we meet. Love Teresa
October 5, 2013
You are one of those people that you can't help but instantly like so I know that you are with friends. I am glad to have had you as my friend even though it was for to short of a time. You'll will be remembered and missed.
Ron Hill
September 17, 2013
The Meek family and the Clary family. Our lives will always be enter-twined - with love. Val leaves a huge hole, but I know he and Skip are together now. The girls will take care of each other. We'll all watch over Sue and remember you with love.
Denise Meek Riegel
September 17, 2013
Val, You will truly be missed by so many, me included. I have the fondest memories from growing up and you were such a big part of all of them. All my love to Sue, Kim and Susan, my heart is heavy with you, I was so glad to be a part of your day last week. Love always your "God" Granddaughter Miss Julie
September 17, 2013
Val, We are so glad that you shared Your family With the Meek Family for so long. We all became one family! Boy didn't we have so much fun. That comes from all 5 of us Kids. Because of You and Skip, Sue, Susan, & Kim will Never walk alone! I am so proud to be a part of that. Val you will always be in our Hearts & Lives. Thank You for being You! Love you Val
Deborah Meek-Hill
September 17, 2013
I'm sorry I didn't know him better, but knowing you he must have been exceptional. He died on Grandmother's birthday.
Alice Wright
September 13, 2013
I never met you in person but, I feel like I knew you through a loving daughter of yours my best friend Kimberly. You will be dearly missed by many who looked up to and admired you. May you rest in Peace. You will stay in the hearts of many. May God give your wife and daughters Peace and comfort knowing you are at home enjoying the company of your son. sincerely Patty Sloane
September 13, 2013
What a guy! So many wonderful memories. Truly one of the good ones.
Nikki Heber
September 12, 2013
Daddy you were the best father anybody could ever wish for. You were always loving to me even when you needed to set me straight. Susan and I will always be there for Mom, as we know you will be in the background watching over us.
Daddy thank you for waiting for me and letting me say goodbye. You were a loving and caring father. You were my teacher and my helping hand. You were always there when I needed you.
I will carry with me the values you gave to me and try to live by them always
You will forever be in my heart
Kimberly Meeks
September 12, 2013
I have fond childhood memories of listening to Val's stories about search and rescue, missle tests at Vandenburg, and aviation in general. You will be missed.
Terraplane Marquez
September 12, 2013
I am so very Susan for your loss. Sending you love and wishes for peaceful journey.
X Rita
September 12, 2013
Oh Val.... You will be with us in our hearts forever.
Hudson Marquez
September 12, 2013
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