Thomas Clerc

Thomas H. Clerc, retired Army CSM, passed away at York General Hearthstone, York, NE, on Thursday, November 26, 2009. Tom was born January 13, 1933 to Victor and Lottie (Hattle) Clerc of Thayer, NE. Tom was raised in York County until the age of 18, when he joined the U.S. Army. After serving his country for 24 years, he retired as Command Sergeant Major in 1975 from Ft. Carson, CO. He served several overseas tours during his career, including Korea, Vietnam, and Germany. Tom’s distinguished service garnered many honors, including the Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service & Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. But Tom’s passion for service was not driven by individual accomplishments, but by his pride in those who served with him.

After retiring from the Armed Forces, CSM Clerc returned to York. He worked for the Scott-Hourigan Co. and later retired from Northern Pump in Henderson. Tom was very active in the Masonic Lodge of York, a past Master Mason of Friends on the Lahn Lodge in Giessen, Germany. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite and the Sesostris Shrine Club of York. He rode many years in summer parades as a Shriner Road Rover. Tom was also an active member of the United Methodist Church of York.

Tom will be remembered as a good friend to many. Some of his favorite times were the annual motorcycle trips to Sturgis with several of his good friends from the York area. He also enjoyed working at the county fairs, State Fair in Lincoln, and Husker Harvest Days.

Survivors include his wife Ruth of York General Hearthstone, his two daughters, Carmen (Dr. Alfred) Speirs of Colorado Springs, CO; Conny (Patrick) Yeutter of Eustis, NE; grandchildren Todd (Baret) Walker, Denver, CO; Christopher (Marissa) Walker, Colorado Springs, CO; Jenny (Chad) Hankinson, Indianapolis, IN; Courtney (Seth) Terrell, Hay Springs, NE; Cressey Yeutter, Chadron, NE; and Peyton Yeutter, Eustis, NE. He also has eight great-grandchildren, a special nephew, Gary Clerc of Chicago, IL, and special niece, Christine Lockhart of Darmstadt, Germany.; and his beloved cat Tigger.

Tom will always be remembered by his wife and family as our loving “Vater” and “Opa.” He was a wonderful husband, loving dad and grandfather, loyal friend and neighbor, and a distinguished soldier. Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, December 3, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in York with the Reverend Art Phillips officiating. Military Interment was held at 11:00 am, Friday December 4, 2009 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE. Memorials may be directed to York Adopt-A-Pet.