Obituary of Earl A. McClure

Earl Augustus McClure passed away peacefully on February 5, 2023 in his home in Riverside, Iowa. He was 92 years old. Earl was born July 30, 1930 in Washington, Iowa, the son of Elmer E. and Edna M. (Foss) McClure. Earl was a strong-willed and hard-working man. He served his country through the Army/Aircorp and later reenlisted in the Navy during the Korean War. His military history is as follows: Army/Aircorp: 1947-1950- Fort Sheridan, IL, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Fort Riley, Kansas, Lackland Air force Base, San Antonio, Tx. Navy: 1951-1955 Graduated from the Fleet Sonar School, Key West, FL. During his time in the Navy, he served on the USS Monssen DD798 (1951-1954) and the USS Cassin Young DD793 (1954-1955). He traversed the Panama Canal to his ship’s new home port in Newport, RI. During this world cruise, Earl, visited Hawaii, Midway Island, Japan, Korea, China, Philippine islands, crossed the equator. Also, visited Singapore, Malaysia, Colombo, Ceylon (now named Sri Lanka), Arabia, Saudi Arabia, went through the Suez Bay to the Suez Canal, and visited Egypt, Ethiopia, Barcelona (Spain), Naples (Italy), Algeria, and Gibraltar. Then crossed the Atlantic to Newport, RI. After his world cruise, Earl, also visited Guantanamo Bay, Havana Cuba, Kingston, Jamaica, San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. One of his favorite questions to ask someone was always, “Do you know anyone who has swam in the deepest waters of the ocean?”, “Well you do now!”. The story goes that the Captain of the USS Monssen, pulled the ship right up to the waters and made the announcement, “Anyone who wants to swim in the deepest waters of the ocean should jump off the ship now!”. We know these waters as, The Marianas Trench. He always said that the Navy was a great experience and always encouraged everyone who would listen, to join. Earl worked many jobs throughout his career. He served with the Coralville Police Department, worked for a pipeline company where he eventually was promoted to a foreman and pipeline inspector. He was a truck driver, and an operating engineer. When Earl wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, trap shooting with the local VFW 6414, where he served as the Commander of the VFW for two years - he was a lifetime member. Earl, was also a life member of the American Legion Post 721 as well as a member of, Tin Can Sailors. He organized the reunions for the USS Monssen for many years and traveled with his wife and daughter to attend many reunions in different parts of the United States. He enjoyed working with HAM radios, and belonged to the Washington Area Amateur Radio Club, where he was an instructor. He spoke to people from all over the world on his radio and always kept the cards that they would send him. Earl’s family include his wife of 65 years, Carolyn; children, Robert McClure and Carol (Ron) Morton; nine grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren; and his brother, Marvin (Pat) McClure. Sadly, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Laura McClure. A simple cremation has been arranged in accordance with Earl’s wishes with no service planned at this time. Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.