Gail Robert Clark

Gail Robert Clark, ‘Bob', age 79, passed away on June 17, 2021, in Corona, California. Bob was born in Lyons, Nebraska on January 2, 1942, to parents, Elwin Earle Clark, and Elsie Bertha Wilhelmina Rader Hille. He was the second youngest of five boys- Elwin Ray, Earle William, Richard Allen and Melvin James. He grew up in various parts of Nebraska including Craig, where he attended and graduated from Craig High School as class salutatorian in 1959. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps for a three-year tour, where he travelled to the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, Hawaii and San Diego. At the end of his tour, he returned to Nebraska and joined the Fremont Police Department at age 25. One year later, his love for California's beautiful weather inspired him to submit applications to police departments in California, including the Santa Ana Police Department. In 1968, Bob graduated from the Orange County Peace Officers' Academy and began his career as a Police Officer. He attended Santa Ana Community College during the early years as a Police Officer where he earned his AA, and later earned his bachelor's degree in 1984 from the University of Redlands. During his 29 years with the Santa Ana Police Department, Bob worked as a Sergeant and an Investigative Detective for the Robbery and Homicide division. He was awarded multiple accolades including Policeman of the Month, Investigator of the Year, which he was awarded 4 out of the 5 years he was nominated, and the Distinguished Service Medal. On August 28, 1977, he suffered a nearly fatal gunshot wound to the stomach while on duty and returned to the department later that year. He retired from SAPD in 1997. Bob lived a very active life, he was part of the police department's baseball team, was an avid marathon runner, and participated in several Baker to Vegas runs. After a brief retirement, he decided to return to the workforce for an additional 10 years as a security officer. The ultimate joy of Bob's life was his family. In 1977, he welcomed his first daughter, Yvette. In 1989, he met his wife, Noemi, and they wed on November 2, 1991, in Santa Ana, California. His family grew with the addition of son, George and daughter, Katie. In 1996, the Clarks moved to Corona, California where they welcomed daughters Kelsey and Kacy. Born into the Lutheran faith, Bob was a fervent man of God. He attended church weekly and was very involved in serving his church. Some of his favorite hobbies included attending old car shows, taking great care of his own 1964 El Camino, bowling, golfing, camping, and eating ice cream right out of the carton. Bob lived by the mantra, ‘treat others like you would want to be treated'. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met, whether it was someone he had known for years or for just a few brief minutes. He was an amazing husband and father, and excelled as a grandfather to his two grandkids, Isaac and Bobbi Marie. His genuine soul, sense of humor, and kind values made him the charming man we all came to know, love and cherish. Bob is survived by his wife, Noemi, his children, Yvette, George, Katie, and Kacy, his grandchildren, Isaac and Bobbi Marie, and his son-in-law's, Brian Muoz, Dominic Carbajal, Jake Perez, and Tommy Sadowski. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his four brothers, and his daughter, Kelsey. Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Monday 6/28, 12:00 pm Cemetery Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery 1125 Rimpau Ave. Corona, CA 92879 Monday 6/28, 1:30 pm