Mark James McCLURE

McCLURE, Mark James

Mark James McClure entered into eternel rest with his Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, on October 31, 2013. He succumbed to cancer in Cooperstown, New York after a short and fearless battle with the disease. He was born October 8, 1964, in McAllen Texas, the son of Thomas D. McClure and Nancy Lowery-Mays of Smithville. He leaves behind his brother Thomas Trent McClure and his sister Michele Elizabeth McClure of Austin, his beloved grandmother, Ruth S. Caldwell of Smithville, and dearest friends, F.J. (Buzz) and Jackie Hesse of Otego, New York. He was predeceased by his grandfather James W. Caldwell and grandparents Pete and Mildred McClure.

Mark will best be remembered for his aviation accomplishments. At age ten he had his first flying lesson at Mercer County Airport in Trenton, New Jersey. Thereafter, he became licensed to fly gliders in Upstate New York, single and multi-engine seaplanes in Winter Haven, Florida, single and multi-engine planes in Bristol, Tennessee, and stunt planes with champion Marion Cole in Shreveport, Louisiana, later including the opportunity to fly the Canadian Christen Eagle. He flew two of his own as well. When he was old enough, he was able to take his grandmother on his first cross-country from New York to Louisiana and home. He was noted in Who's Who as one of only three with his ratings before the age of eighteen. He graduated from Homer High School in New York, attended Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida, became a certified flight instructor, and ended his career as a corporate pilot.

In the ensuing years he became the protegee of a close family friend, Howard Hand, a renowned antiquarian, who encouraged Mark to start a new career. He did so, learning from the very best, and proceeded to do business where he resided in both Texas and New York. His residence in Texas, the landmark Burleson Home in Smithville, will be on the Garden Club's Tour for Christmas. Although no longer furnished, he would have wanted to share it this one time with the community.

A celebration of his life will be held from 2-4, November 17, at the Hesse's home in Otego, New York. Memorials can be made to: Friends of Bassett, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, New York 13326 (Specifically for ICU) or the charity of one's choice.