John Joseph “Joe” Clark III, age 74, passed away peacefully on March 1st, 2026, surrounded by family after a six-week battle with RSV and pneumonia. A much-loved and honorable man, Joe slipped the earthly bonds of this life and entered the Kingdom of God.

Joe was born on April 4th, 1951, in Rochester, Minnesota, the middle child of John Joseph Clark Jr. and Eileen Clark (La Bundy). He is survived by his cherished sisters, Terri Gansereit (Sally) and Carol Zacharko (Michael).

Known for his sharp wit and humor, Joe often joked that his first words were “sun belt,” recalling his family’s move from the harsh northern winters, what he called “DNC” (Damn Near Canada), to Albuquerque, then San Francisco, and ultimately the Los Angeles area.

A 1969 graduate of Excelsior High School in Norwalk, California, Joe had a deep desire to see the world. He enlisted in the United States Navy, where he trained in radar aboard destroyer-class vessels. During his time aboard the USS Carpenter (DD-825), the ship steamed a quarter of a million miles, roughly the distance from the Earth to the moon.

Joe’s military career spanned service in the U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force. He was a proud veteran of both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. When asked if he moved between branches to reinvent himself, he quipped, “No, it’s just that a moving target is harder to hit!” He retired from the Air Force in 2005 with the rank of Major, though he always remained a Navy sailor at heart. His final salute is to be rendered by his granddaughter, AM3 Olivia Jonas, an honor graduate of Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Division 199.

Joe earned his Bachelor of Business Administration at Excelsior University. He worked as a registered respiratory therapist in San Antonio, Texas until he challenged the Texas Nursing Board for his nursing license in 1993. He worked as a registered nurse throughout the rest of his career, until he retired from federal civil service at Brook Army Medical Center in 2014.

Joe shared a beautiful 40-year marriage with his beloved wife, Pamela Bonnie Clark (Schiller). Every anniversary, he would remind her, “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

He is survived by his children and stepchildren: Michelle Marie Clark, Kelly Lynn Clark, Cherie Jonas (Hubbs) and William Hubbs. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren: Brandie Kniepkamp, Olivia Jonas, Lillie Jonas, Damian Hubbs, Elora Sanchez, Noah Nua, Taias Savea, Elizabeth Savea, Andrew Souza Perez, and Elena Garcia; as well as four great-grandchildren: Embry, Zoie, Taaliyah, and Waylon. Joe also leaves behind many treasured nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eileen Clark, his daughter, Tanya Christine Nua (Clark) and his best friend and honorary brother, Clemente Hernandez, Jr.

He also leaves behind his two beloved fur companions, Bonnie and Ming, who still wait for him at the gate.

Travel plans: Many loved ones are coming in from out of state. Please be aware that the government shutdown is causing significant delays at many airports. People are reporting the need to arrive at the airport at least three to four hours early. We understand if you are unable to attend. Please know the services will be live-streamed at the Schertz Funeral Home website for those that cannot. 

Photo Slideshow Link: https://youtu.be/Nk1mQDsXAvE?si=X0L-o8XdEcEj2_Vs

BBQ Info: Pickrell Park is located at 703 Oak St., Schertz, TX 78154. Starting at 3 p.m., our party will be under a small pavilion located at the corner of Aero Ave. and FM 1518. Parking is located near the pavilion off FM 1518 and also streetside along Aero Ave. Brisket, sides, iced tea and dessert will be provided. No glass is allowed in the area. Please bring lawn chairs if you are able.

Dress Code: Please come as you are and how you feel most comfortable. Weather is expected to be near 90 degrees. If you choose to dress up, perhaps bring a change of clothes if you plan to attend the BBQ afterward.