Obituary

On Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013, Gerald Boone "Jerry" McClure passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, after a long and hard-fought battle with Alzheimer's. Born on September 9, 1933, in Plainview to Billie and Hallene (Hudgins) McClure, Jerry grew up loving wide-open spaces. After graduating from Plainview High School, he attended Texas A&M University, where he received a B.S. in geology and was a proud member of the Fighting Texas Aggie Band. After graduation, he joined the military because he felt that it was every man's duty to serve his country. An avid gem collector and self-proclaimed "rock hound," he derived great joy from accompanying friends and family on camping adventures all over the western states. His daughters loved joining him on his rock hunting exploits. When they would bring him lovely rocks for inspection, he would say, "Ooh, that's a Leverite! Not worth a darn thing, Leverite where you found it!" His camping buddies nicknamed him "Double Nickels McClure" because he refused to drive over the speed limit while traveling our nation's highways. His love for the great outdoors was only eclipsed by his devotion to his family and the many, many rescue animals he cared for throughout his lifetime. He was our hero. He was the smartest man we ever knew. Throughout his career, he received four U.S. patents, helped to invent the airbag and worked on the Apollo space missions. He "tinkered" in his shop on a variety of woodworking projects, never met a stranger and was quick to help anyone in need. He loved to tell a good joke and had one for every occasion. He was a true gentleman in every way. He is survived by Rosemary, his wife of 55 years; his daughters, Karen McClure and husband, Jeff Post, and Susan McClure and husband, Bob Zador; his brother, Don McClure and wife, Norma; his grandsons, Ryan Stanton and Zach Zador; and other family members who were so precious to him. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers at Brookdale Place of Albuquerque and Hospice of New Mexico for their tenderness and compassion. All of Jerry's friends and family are invited to share kind words, memories, "good grub" and funny stories on what would have been his 80th birthday, Sept. 9, 2013, at the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 1111 N. California, Socorro, N.M., at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given in Gerald's honor to the Alzheimer's Association of New Mexico, 9500 Montgomery Blvd., NE #121, Albuquerque, NM 87111 or the Animal Protective Association, P.O. Box 4051, Socorro, NM 87801. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Jerry's care has been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services, 309 Garfield St., Socorro, NM 87801, 575-835-1530.