John Charles Clary

JOHN C. CLARY
December 17, 1944 – December 21, 2019
John Charles Clary, age 75, died at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California on December
21, 2019, from complications following a struggle of several months against carcinoma of
unknown origin. His wife Karen Lakey Clary, whom he married in 2017, was with him at the
time he passed away.
John was born in Sioux City, Iowa, December 17, 1944, to Thomas James and Donna (Hardigan)
Clary and grew up on his family’s farm near Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. His parents preceded him in
death.
He graduated from Sergeant Bluff-Luton High School in 1962 and continued his education at
Iowa State University majoring in Electrical Engineering. His studies were interrupted when he
enlisted in the United States Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard
(CV-31) during the Vietnam War.
After his naval service, John made San Diego his home, completing a dual degree in both
Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at San Diego State University. Thereafter, he was
employed by Eli Lilly and by Pacific Gas and Electric in San Diego. He also enjoyed a lengthy
career with Solar Turbines of San Diego from where he retired.
Throughout his working life as well as his retirement, John greatly enjoyed piloting his Cessna
aircraft, and pursuing his love of model railroading, eventually becoming certified to repair
model train components. He was a member and officer of San Diego Elks Lodge 168.
John is survived by these loved ones: his widow Karen and stepson Jake Lakey of San Diego; his
sister Christine Clary Ryland (Shane) of Seattle, his brother Timothy M. Clary and nephew
Richard Clary, both of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; his nephew James (Cheryl) Clary and great-niece
Elizabeth Clary, all of LeMars, Iowa. Other survivors include many cousins, friends and
colleagues whom he greatly treasured.
At John’s request, no funeral service is planned.