Robert C. McClary

Robert Charles "Bob" McClary, 89 of Sioux City, IA passed away Monday, December 12, 2011 at his home after a short battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel with Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum with military honors. Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday with the family present 6:00-8:00 p.m. and a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. all at the funeral home. Condolences may be posted online at www.meyerbroschapels.com . Bob was born June 11, 1922 in Ponca, NE the son of Charles T. and Genevieve (Halverson) McClary. The family moved to Sioux City in 1923 where Bob lived most of his life. He attended Sioux City schools and graduated from Central High School in 1940. Bob served 3 years in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Part of his service time was in the South Pacific in the 509th group on Tinian in the Miranas. He helped load the first atomic bomb (Little Boy) into the Enola Gay in August of 1945. As a result of his service in World War II, he was awarded the Bronze Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Theatre Ribbon and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon. On September 19, 1942 he married Frances S. Martinek in Yuma, AZ. After his discharge from the service the couple made their home in Sioux City. To this union 8 children were born, Ginger, Pam, Chuck, Rob, Teresa, Jim, Scott and Candace. Bob worked for Nystrom Electric Co. for 39 years, retiring in 1985. Frannie died September 21, 1994 in Sioux City. He was a member of IBEW Local 231 for over 60 years and at St. Boniface Catholic Church for over 50 years. Survivors include 7 children (and spouses), Ginger (Howard) Martin of Greenville, SC, Pam (Larry) Sawyer, Chuck (Melinda) McClary, Rob (Cathy) McClary all of Sioux City, Teresa (John) Bell of Houston, TX, Scott McClary of Sioux City, Candace (Raj) Malhotra of Marysville, OH; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, 3 sisters, a son, Jim, a grandson, Robbie Martin and a son-in-law, Kevin Sweeney. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to St. Boniface Church, the June E. Nylen Cancer Center or Hospice of Siouxland.