Dennis Edward Clear

Dennis Edward Clear, loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather, went to be with the Lord on January 11, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 71. Dennis was born in Columbus, Ohio on October 29, 1954, to Mac and Delores Clear. He graduated from Rich East High School in Park Forest, Illinois in 1973. Dennis lived in multiple states growing up due to Mac’s military service, but he made Texas his home in 1977.

Dennis met the love of his life, Brenda Ray Clear, at Bethel Baptist Church in Austin, Texas where they were later married on November 28, 1981.

Throughout the years Dennis worked a multitude of jobs until discovering his true passion, automotive mechanics. In 1985 he opened his own mechanic shop, Broken Down Automotive, which he owned and passionately operated for 37 years.

Dennis was a man of deep faith who faithfully attended services at Hyde Park Baptist Church, where he was a devoted member for 19 years. He never met a stranger and had a natural gift for storytelling. He especially loved teasing his grandchildren and giving them a hard time—his own special language of love. He enjoyed working on puzzles, feeding his beloved dog, Coco, and relaxing while watching old westerns and Alfred Hitchcock films. A loyal sports fan, he proudly rooted for the Cleveland Browns and the Michigan Wolverines. It was rare to see Dennis without a Pepsi in his hand. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Mac and Delores Clear and his mother and father-in-law, George and Margie Ray. Dennis is survived by his wife, Brenda, to whom he was married for 44 years, daughter Crystal Wiseman and husband Christopher of Elgin, Texas, and son Adam Clear and wife Christine of Elgin, Texas; grandchildren Emily and husband AJ, Anthony and fiancé Autumn, Amy and partner Justin, Kiley and fiancé Kaden, Brandon, Audrey and Matthew; sisters Regina Jirus and husband Jim of North Las Vegas, Nevada, Pamela Stephens of Lockhart, Texas, and Susan Hisle of League City, Texas, sister-in-law Deborah Cartwright and husband Dean of Elgin, Texas and brother-in-law Sherman Ray of Elgin, Texas; various nieces and nephews, as well as numerous extended family and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday January 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Providence Jones Family Funeral Home, 604 Hwy 95 North, Elgin, TX 78621.