On Oct. 17, 2021, Everett Lee Clinton ended his long goodbye, battling the final effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on June 30, 1940, to Everett Clare and Lillie May Clinton in Alliance, Nebraska, Everett grew up with his brothers David, Martin and Larry and his sisters Ardis and Dorothy, and often shared his childhood memories and the joys of his family. Everett graduated from Glenrock-Parkerton High School in Glenrock, Wyoming and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he completed aviation ordnance schooling and was stationed at Whidbey Island. This was where Everett developed his affinity for Washington state.
In 1961, Everett married his first wife Rena and they had four sons. Always a hard worker and earnest provider for his family, he joined the Wyoming National Guard and worked many years until he became a commissioned officer. One of his dreams was fulfilled as he became an Army aviator. Everett flew the O-1 Bird Dog, serving in Vietnam in 1968 to 1969. He also was proficient in the U-8 and the Otter flying missions in the states and throughout Alaska.
In 1989, Everett filed for retirement from his final assignment as a personnel officer in Los Angeles. Wishing his replacement and cohorts well, he then moved to his 35-acre Washington farm to begin civilian life. He enjoyed the farm, working many months clearing the land as well as building and making improvements. In his spare time, he went hunting, boating and fishing. When he finally relaxed he decided to continue exploring his passion for aviation. He left the farm, divorced, and returned to Southern California where he formed his own company selling and leasing aircraft. He was able to fly and travel for work and for pleasure.
Everett often shared that his least-favorite Army assignment was being confined to a desk. When he returned to Southern California he found Janet Logsdon (his replacement upon retirement) still working at his desk. It was there that they renewed their friendship and shared time with one another which then became a lifetime partnership when they married on New Years Eve in Las Vegas in 1993.
Everett’s next challenge was beginning a career teaching Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). He started the four-year programs at South High School in Bakersfield, California, then continuing on to Oregon City High School in Oregon City, Oregon, earning many honors and finding joy making a difference for young people.
Everett is survived by his wife Janet, his sons David, Dennis and Darren, and his stepson Jason. They had seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters and his son Everett Daniel.
Everett lived a full and a happy life. We are honored to celebrate his memory with the moments he gave us and lives he touched, and honor the blessing to share those with one another and in life.
A service with military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021. A celebration of his life will be held at the Vancouver Water Resource Center at 1 p.m. on the same day.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Home Hospice in Vancouver.
