He answered the call to duty to defend his beloved America in 1942, forever honored his wife and committed to his God. This community lost another one of America’s Greatest Generation, Clyde E. Gallogly passed away peacefully Monday, November 22, 2010 at the age of 88 in his Delaware home.
When he stepped off the troop transport ship onto the shores of Europe in 1943 to defend his country, he didn’t expect to ever see his homeland and loved ones again. He was blessed with another 67 years to experience the joys of marriage, friendships, and his beloved homeland.
He was born on May 2, 1922 in Sunbury to the late Frank E. and Rosa B. (Adams) Gallogly.
In his younger years he worked as a farmhand for several Sunbury area farmers including the Miller family. From a young age, Clyde was taught the meaning of a good days work.
Clyde graduated from Sunbury High School in 1940, where as a stellar athlete, he lettering in football, basketball, and baseball. It was the school where he developed lifelong friendships, which he continued to kindle over the years at the various annual reunions. After school he dabbled in the mechanic trade, as his father and worked on area farms.
A cute waitress would soon catch his eye at the former Central Restaurant in downtown Delaware. On July 19, 1942 he would marry the former Ginger (Davis) of Marion in the parsonage of Trinity United Methodist Church in Mt. Gilead, just before heading off to serve his country. They were blessed with 65 years of marriage and devotion to each other until her passing on January 27, 2008.
In 1942 he and many of his classmates answered the call to duty, which began by boarding a train at the Delaware Depot to boot camp. He was a proud member of the 56th Armored Infantry Battalion Company B of the12th Armored Division, nicknamed the “Hellcats”. As countless others he valiantly served in the US Army during WWII earning the Combat Infantry Badge and European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars.
A mechanic and half-track operator, Clyde participated in the Rhineland, Central Europe Campaigns, and in Battle at Herrlisheim just south of the Battle of The Bulge and when hearing someone express that it was cold, he would quietly express that we didn't know the meaning of cold. Clyde never spoke much about his military experience, unless he was asked, but the lessons he learned from the US Army would serve him well in life.
As requested by President Harry Truman “Because you demonstrated the fortitude, resourcefulness and calm judgment necessary to carry out the task, we now look to you for leadership and example in further exalting our country in peace” and he did.
Upon returning to Delaware he worked has an auto and heavy equipment mechanic with several area auto dealerships in and around Delaware. The majority of his working years were spent with King Equipment in Columbus, where he also worked as manager retiring in 1986. Since 1987 he has worked as an associate with the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home in Delaware.
A man of steadfast faith, he was a member and deacon of Sunbury Christian Church. He also enjoyed the church euchre card club with his wife. In the words of 2 Timothy 4:7 which truly describe him “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
During the 1960’s he worked in the Ohio State Patrol Auxiliary and was a member of several veterans’ organization. He was also a proud member of the 12th Armored Division. An avid golfer and when able he was an active participant in the Hidden Valley Seniors League, scoring a hole in one on June 28, 2004.
He was humble, always courteous and kind. Proud of his life’s journey, he did what was required of him and at times was a bit stubborn. Most patriotic, he was always talkative in nature, loving to reminisce about the old days. With his nature a stranger quickly became a friend. He wished to be remembered as a good friend and he was to everyone.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers: Gordon in 1996 and Charles Dean in 2002, as well as sisters: Norma Jean Cunningham in 1987, Clarabel Overturf in 1990, Martha Strawser in 2001, as well as step mother: Zella Mae Gallogly in 1994 and many fellow Army veterans he called "his buddies", only they know the true meaning of a buddy.
He is survived by sister-in-law: Janet Gallogly of Delaware, nieces, nephews, and cousins, adopted grandchildren: Ridge and Sophie Snyder. As well as a host of friends both from church and in the Delaware area to numerous to mention, with the acceptation of Evelyn and Jim Brookens, who assisted him in numerous ways.
Those blessed in his friendship are welcome to call 4-7 p.m. Friday at the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, 75 W. William St., Delaware, where a service celebrating the life of Clyde Gallogly will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday with his Pastor Mike Bratten officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Delaware.
Memorial contributions can be made to Sunbury Christian Church, 250 Rainbow Ave., Sunbury, Oh 43074 or HomeReach Hospice, 561 W. Central Ave., Delaware, OH 43015.
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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