Mr. Benton Joe Clary
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Benton Joe Clary passed away at home on July 18, 2002. He lived 82 wonderful years.
Ben is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; his daughters, Jill and Michelle; and four grandchildren, Benton, Daniel, Serena and Corben. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Major Richard Clary, a Vietnam casualty. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and loved his Labrador retrievers.
He grew up in Post, TX. He earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Texas Tech and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska. He was a registered professional engineer and a life emeritus of the American Society of Civil Engineers. His awards included the DOI citation for excellence and the meritorious service award.
Ben served the National Park Service for 40 years. As a student engineer, he worked in Carlsbad, Big Bend, Navajo and Olympic. While stationed in San Francisco, he supported Mount Rainier, Curecanti, Chickasaw, Padre Island, Canyon De Chelly, and Lake Mead. He transitioned to park management at Padre Island, Great Smoky Mountain, Midwest Regional Office, and Yellowstone. In 1980, he became Assistant Superintendent of Yellowstone and briefly served as Superintendent. In 1989, he became Superintendent of Voyageurs National Park and then Ozark National Scenic Riverway. In 2001, he retired and moved to Texas to watch his grandsons grow up.
Ben had a passion for camping, hiking and fishing. He loved history and spy novels. He relished friendships developed through golf and bridge. He volunteered in the community.
He will be laid to rest at Forest Park in the Woodlands. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the American Diabetes Association.