Jeff Clark

As his three older siblings, Richard Douglas (1945-2018), Ronald Dean (1947), and Donna Kaye Zelko (1949) would tell him, “he was the last twinkle in their daddy’s eyes”.

Jeff was baptized and confirmed in Westbury United Methodist Church. Jeff graduated from Westbury High School – Class of 1978 (home of the Rebels, which he was so proud of). While attending high school he had fond memories of working at the Galleria Ice Skating Rink. After graduation, he wanted to pursue a hockey career but, instead decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and go into the Navy.

Jeff enlisted in 1978 and served both on active duty and active reserve until April 2000. His numerous deployments would take him to places like Guam, Japan, Germany, Philippines, Thailand, the Middle East, Korea and many more countries that he would fondly reminisce about. He loved to talk about “having a girl in every port” and share stories of crossing the equator and the ceremonies that ensued.

In 1986, he married LeAnne Powell and they were blessed with one daughter, Tiffany Nichole.

During his reserve years Jeff pursued a law enforcement career (which carried over into his Navy deployments as a Master-at-Arms). He worked for the Harris County Sherriff’s Department, Bastrop County Sherriff’s Department, Austin Community College Police Department, and a few years as Chief-of-Police in Granger. His last two jobs in law enforcement had him moving “north” to the Austin area. Through a dating service, Jeff met Renee Denise Schiller in April of 1996. They were married on December 14, 1996 in front of her parent’s Christmas Tree. Pastor Kevin Westergren married them. They settled in Taylor and then Round Rock. During the early 2000’s Tiffany came to live with them. One of the proudest moments of Jeff’s life was Tiffany’s graduation from Taylor High School, and her acceptance to Texas A&M University – Galveston.

Jeff’s Texas roots run deep – he was proud in being Texan through-and-through. He was proud of his Texans, Dallas Stars, Houston Rockets and especially the Astros. Jeff and Renee thoroughly enjoyed being season ticket holders with the Round Rock Express. One team that Jeff cheered for was the Texas A&M Aggies. Jeff and his Longhorn friends always share good-hearted betting on who would win what. He loved his sports.

In 2000, the paths of Jeff’s career and life took a turn. He officially retired from the Navy in April 2000. Jeff received the Navy Commendation Medal, amongst other ribbons, medals, and awards throughout his career in the Navy. Jeff went back to school, at ITT Technical College and pursued his first love of Architectural Drafting. He spent several years with Danze & Davis Architects of Austin, assisting in the design of D.R. Horton homes. He loved to show off their home in Round Rock and was proud to say he had a part in designing it.

In addition to Tiffany, there were numerous youth (though not by blood) that came into Jeff and Renee’s lives. Three in particular that meant a great deal to Jeff were Liam Plybon, Nic Hatcher, and Caylee Morris-Hatcher. These three brought many smiles and laughs into the Clark’s home.

In the 24 years and 2 months that Jeff and Renee shared they chose to dedicate time and energy to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A Gold Legacy Life Member, Jeff was honored to have served in a variety of positions within his Post, District and State levels. He achieved many accolades and received many awards during his years of service. In addition, he was extremely honored to coordinate, for close to 20 years, the annual Memorial Day Services at Cook-Walden Pflugerville. One of Jeff’s dreams was to serve the VFW at the state officer level. If this dreaded virus had not overtaken his body, Jeff surely would have continued to serve at the Post, District and State levels. Jeff did have the honor of serving on a National Committee in 2019, and fondly spoke of his memories of the 2019 VFW National Convention in Orlando. Though Renee swore he “wore her out” and threatened to “not do another thing” with all his volunteering, she promised him she would never give it up – it was something they had always vowed to “do together”. Jeff and Renee were also Charter members of the Military Order of the Cooties - Leanderthal Pup Tent #69 and its Auxiliary. Both became members, within the past year, of the VFW Motorcycle Group #10 of Leander. Renee fell in love with her “bikers” and Jeff was just starting to look for that trike that they both wanted.

Jeff loved tradition. He was proud to share that he was a fourth or fifth generation Mason. Through the Northwest Lodge Number 1434 of Houston, Jeff was Initiated on September 17, 1987; Passed on March 5, 1988; and Raised on April 21, 1988. From June 23, 2013 until June 24, 2014 he held the chair of Worshipful Master of the Elgin Lodge #328. Jeff was also an endowed Member of the Valley of Houston Orient of Texas - Scottish Rite. One of his proudest moments is when he was “fezzed” at The Ben Hur Shrine Temple of Austin. Amongst the guests in January 2019 were Jeff’s immediate family. He was so thrilled that his daughter and her family were able to witness the event. Jeff served as Illustrious Sir (Potentate) during the year of 2019. With his First Lady, Renee, by his side they traveled throughout 2019 to various parts of the state and country.

From 2013 until 2018, Jeff and Renee were faced with numerous deaths in their families, including their precious granddaughter Avery Elizabeth (2009 – 2013.) They both opted to “take a year off” in 2019. During 2019 and into 2020, in addition to travel, they were able to spend some quality time with Tiffany, and with their grand-daughters - Alexandra Grace “Gracie” (2010), Emma Nichole “Emma Lou” (2015) and Charlotte Jane “Charley or Nugget” (2017). These girls were definitely the ones that brought a smile to his face, a head shake or even a stern look over his glasses. But, each girl, “LOVED THEIR PEEPAW”. He spent many times helping with Play-Doh cutouts (which they told PeePaw were actually “cookies”), watching them decorate sugar cookies, playing tea-party, making them his mini-pancakes or just snuggling and cuddling.

On Thursday, June 25th, Jeff was admitted to S&W Hospital of Round Rock. On Wednesday, July 8th, Jeff succumbed to various organ failures brought on by Covid-19. (This date happened to be Renee’s birthday). Both Tiffany and Renee were by his side, as he slipped away peacefully.

Jeff was a strong advocate of education and in teaching our future about the veterans that protect our freedoms every day. He was a fierce friend. He believed in family. Those closest to him can live with the peace of mind knowing that he is with his grand-daughter Avery Elizabeth (2009-2013), his brother Rick, and both his and Renee’s parents looking down upon those that shared his life. He will be sorely missed by those that knew him, and hearts will be empty for those that loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to give to the charity of your choice. There is also a scholarship fund being set up in Jeff’s name through the VFW Department of Texas – Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program. c/o VFW Dept. of Texas, P. O. Box 14468, Austin, Texas 78761 (earmark James J. Clark Scholarship Fund).

Visitation will take place on Friday, July 24th at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Due to the current COVID protocols, guests are required to wear protective face masks at all times and practice the recommended six foot social distancing.

Graveside services will take place on Saturday, July 25th at 10:00 a.m. and will include religious interment by Reverend Kevin Westergren of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Austin, Masonic burial rites under the direction of Brother Jim McMillan and Brother Jim Kinley, and will conclude with military honors under the direction of VFW Department of Texas Adjutant/Quartermaster Dan West (Jeff’s brother and best-friend in many aspects) and District 28 VFW Commander Dave Walden (Jeff’s mini-me).

Again, due to the current COVID protocols, those attending the graveside service are required to wear protective face masks at all times and practice the recommended six foot social distancing.