Daniel Dale Clasby
June 17, 2019, in St. Louis, MO. Wonderful husband of Gail [nee Alexander] loving father of Scott [deceased], Colleen Wilkins [Anthony] and Cristi Martin [Bob]. Dear son of Edward Clasby [deceased] and Helen [nee Dougan, deceased].
Grandchildren Shane Padrick Clasby, London Alexander Clasby, Connor MacLeod Stevenson, Samanthea Lynn Martin, Robert Lee Martin, Jr. , Tracey Edward Martin, Colin Anthony Wilkins, Chase Delane Martin, Kennedy RoseMartin, Nikolas Brian Martin, Alexis Hanna Martin and Alaina Hayley Martin.
Great Grandchildren Louis Alexander Clasby, Ilianna Sophia Gatewood-Wilkins, And Isabella Adleigh Rowland.
Dan was larger than life. And he enjoyed life, and especially his children, his grand children, his great-grand children and even his adopted children and grand children [anyone that came into his home was welcome, and was automatically adopted]. OH, and also his great array of aunts & uncles, cousins, 2nd and 3rd cousins, etc. etc. etc.
Currently, Dan is probably in heaven discussing [not arguing, not his style] with General Patton, Eisenhower and Truman on what they could have done differently during the 2nd World War. And he’s probably looking for Churchill as well.
And Dan had a great degree of expertise in the military. Not only did he complete 11 years of service for the United States Marine Corp., upon completion of his Marine Corp. service he immediately re-enlisted with the United States Navy. where he served another 11 years. 22 years of service to his country, our country. During his Marie Corp. career, Dan did 3 tours of Vietnam. He also received 3 Purple Hearts for his service. Amongst the many responsibilities Dan had during his time of service, he worked in Naval warfare operations as an Air intercept controller where he earned a Republic of South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Dan also received the Navy Commendation Medal for Combat; the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medical and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. And this was just his awards for his service in the US Navy.
Dan was the only son of Ed and Helen, and is the first grandson of the Dougan dynasty, lead by Reba and Ulysses Dougan. 39 Grand children and even more, countless great-grand children and great great grandchildren, etc. And Dan knew and loved all of them.
Dan married his sweetheart, Gail [Alexander] in February 14??, 1963 and were married for 56 years.
A self proclaimed wine sommelier, lover of trivia and working on off road rally cars. Dan also loved to cook and inspired his love of cooking in his children and grand children.
Anyone that was lucky enough to come into Dan & Gail’s life would be happily welcomed and immediately adopted as a grand child.
And maybe you didn’t know this, however Dan was the inventor of the Mid-Western Good-bye! After saying good-bye, he would complete 3 other conversations with you before he actually left.
Dan was loved in life and will be missed.
Services: Church memorial service, Monday, July 1st, 2019, 11:30 a.m., St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 12345 Manchester Rd., St. Louis, 63131. Memorial service at 12:30 p.m. followed by interment at the Jefferson Barracks VA National Cemetery, 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, family has requested donations to the Travis Mills Foundation www.travismills.org or to Backstoppers, backstoppers.org
He will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace.
Dearest Gail & family, May God bless & comfort you in your loss. Our hearts & prayers are with you. Dan was very special and will be missed.
Dear Gail and family, Deepest condolences on your loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to the Clasby family. Dan always had a story to tell with a big grin on his face. He was willing to help anyone especially if they had ties to the family. I will treasure my time with Dan and Gail and am forever grateful to be considered part of the Clasby family.
We love and miss you so much grandpa. I am struggling about the fact you won’t be here on earth as Bella grows older!
I served with Dan in the Navy where we taught air controllers. I meet Dan when I missed the bus going to school to learn the system we used to control aircraft.
Dan and Gail were always welcome in our home as were in theirs.
Minda and I will always remember Dan. Fair winds and fillers seas, Shipmate.
Gail, Colleen, Cristi and the Clasby family,
With the heaviest heart I convey my sorrow on the loss of my friend and brother Dan. I will miss him greatly and consider it an honor to have known and served with him. Condolences go out to all of you with all respect and loving affection.