Eugene (Gene) Clerkin, 84

Eugene (Gene) Clerkin, 84 passed away December 18, 2023 at Windsor Manor in Vinton following complications from a fall.  

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 AM Friday, December 22nd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Vinton.  Visitation was from 9:00 AM until 10:15 AM  also at the church. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in What Cheer, Iowa at 3:15 PM.

Gene was born March 22, 1939, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the second son to his parents, Edward and Catherine (Quigley) Clerkin who were proud immigrants from Ireland. He graduated in 1956 from What Cheer High School, the last graduating class of the school. Gene served in the United States Army in 1962 and 1963. He was a member of the Iowa State Patrol stationed in Vinton and proudly serving his community as Trooper #338 without taking a sick day during his 29 year career. Following his retirement from the State Patrol in 1994, Gene was a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for Benton County for ten years.

Gene was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  He loved to read and keep in touch with family, his former State Troopers and childhood friends from What Cheer.  Gene was an avid NASCAR fan, attending the Daytona 500 over thirty times, and he loved to drive his (always clean) cars!

Gene will be remembered fondly by his family for his kindness and generosity.  He is survived by his older brother Pat (Marlene) Clerkin of West Des Moines, nieces Sue (Terry) Franz of West Des Moines, Cindy (Randy) Flander of Keota, and Kathleen (Tony) Buscemi of Elmhurst, Illinois. Great nieces and nephews Ryan (Allison) Franz, Christopher (MaryKate) Franz, Shaun (Mary) Flander, Kelli (Adam) Schmidt and Olivia & Ava Buscemi, seven great-great nieces and nephews, and many dear cousins in County Monaghan, Ireland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Peace Officers Association or the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

Online condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com