Gary Dale McClurg

I am very sorry to have missed the memorial this evening, I am sick with RSV and did not want to spread it to others. Mr. McClurg was a wonderful human who shaped my life from the minute I met him when I was in second grade and he named his class pet after me as a joke. From that moment on his sense of humor shaped my own! Who names a rat after a kid he just met? I think I´ll be returning the favor with our next pet, for his enjoyment.
Mr. McClurg supported me throughout my entire time at Turner, not just in my amazing sixth grade year, which was characterized by his unique ability to create a safe, caring, and hilarious classroom culture, which I remember gratefully to this day. MOB for life.
I remember coming into his class the week before school resumed each year to "help" setup his room, and he allowed me to bother him while he prepared for the new school year. I was lucky enough to continue to be part of his life by accompanying for The Plays through my time in high school, plays which were incredibly meaningful to his students and required so much more time and energy as a teacher than were necessary for him to devote. Mr. McClurg radiated humor and love, and I was lucky to have had him as a part of my life. I even wrote about his impact on me as a teacher for my college admittance essay. Although we mostly lost touch after I left for college, he showed up at my wedding, fulfilling a promise he had made to be there when I was a young child. The people nearest to me have all heard of Mr. McClurg´s impact on my life, and I know he has similarly impacted countless people throughout his own. My condolences to his family, I hope you know how much he was treasured.

The Bodies send their condolences to the family. We did not know he lost his sweet wife previously. We always enjoyed both of their company sitting on the sidelines of our girls soft games. Lots of laughs and we are grateful for those memories.

Our condolences on your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Fran and Maureen Kokes

My son was being a smartie pants to Mr McClurg and he called me and we set it up so I would sit next to my son during class one day. He was such an amazing teacher, man, human! This world is a much sadder place without him

Gary and I were great friends forever. We started out in first grade and then his family moved to Cleveland for a while. I was so happy when he returned to
Ellsworth Elementary around fourth grade. We played against each other in Little League and played together in Hot Stove.
We played basketball at Western Reserve in the mid sixties and continued our friendship via phone. I always enjoyed talking to him and there were times we would talk for an hour.
I loved his family. His Dad and Mom were like my own family. Cindy and Wendy were like my sisters. I even went on the only vacation I ever had in High School with his family in a camper. Gary and I went to a golf
course while on that vacation. We played a golf course named White Cliffs. By the time we got to the last hole
we only had one ball left and we alternated shots until we finished the hole. I remember spending a few nights at their house on Duck Creek Road.
They were such a loving family and I enjoyed
every minute that I spent with them.
I was a farm boy and whenever I was with the McClurg
family was like I was on vacation.
Our family wants you to know how much we loved Gary and his family. I will miss our long phone calls and will remember all of you with love

You were and always will be a best friend. You took me under your wing the year we taught fourth grade. Our conversations forever to be treasured!
In loving memory,
Sue Libberton

Mr. McClurg was a great person. I remember him helping challenge me in math, even though he wasn´t my teacher. To take the time to do that spoke of his character. He was funny and kind. He worked with my mother for years as well and was always kind to her too. Thank you, Mr. McClurg.