Cleary, Edward Home 

KILGORE -- Services for Eddie Cleary, 74, of Kilgore, will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 
21, 2006, at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Cleary died Tuesday morning, April 
18, 2006, at his home after a long illness and many years of pain. Eddie was a 
native Kilgoreite, born September 17, 1931, to Dan and Norma Cleary. Eddie grew up 
in Laird Hill and at a very early age, spent many hours working alongside his father, 
uncle, and brothers in the family business, Kilgore Rental Tools. Rumor has it that 
in elementary school, Eddie saw Clay Judy on the playground and told a group of his 
friends that he would marry her some day. After years of dating, his prediction came 
true, and they were married on October 12, 1952. Just months after their wedding, 
however, Eddie was drafted into the military and served time in the U.S. Army during 
the Korean War. His first daughter, Susan, was born while he was overseas and was a 
year old before he ever laid eyes on her. Upon returning home, Eddie continued 
working at Kilgore Rental Tools, and he and his wife Clay had two more daughters, 
Caren and Jeanie. During the late 1960s, Eddie and Clay realized a lifelong dream of 
opening their own business, Cleary Power Tongs, Inc. After many years of struggle, 
together they built an honest, successful business that spanned 30 years and helped 
to subsidize many families who worked for them. If anyone ever enjoyed their success, 
Eddie did. He and Clay traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad. 
But whether it was a cruise to the Bahamas or a simple dinner at home with his family, 
Eddie had a good time. His success also allowed him to be generous. He was a great 
believer in helping those less fortunate, most often without any acknowledgment or 
fanfare. Eddie never met a stranger, and he never met a dog he didn't like. Most 
importantly, however, he was a wonderful husband and father. And even during the 
earlier lean years, he taught his family that having style meant very little to do 
with having money. He also taught his family a great deal about compassion, loyalty, 
family ties, and the incredible power of laughter. He will be greatly missed! Aside 
from his wife and daughters, Eddie is survived by three sons-in law, Calvin Sims of 
Tyler; Wayne Scroggins of Sugarland; and Fred Fifer of Dallas. And, after years of 
being surrounded by four women, Eddie liked to joke that he finally had his own 
Casing Crew in his five grandsons, Jake and Clayton Sims, Nick Scroggins, and Andrew 
and Will Fifer, who all loved him dearly. Additionally, Eddie is survived by three 
siblings, his sister, Doris Lucas of Liberty City; and two brothers, Bill and his 
wife, Betty, Cleary and Jim Cleary of Kilgore. Additional survivors include his 
brothers- and sisters-in-law, R.C. and Dee Judy of Longview, and Jim and Jean Stuart 
of Houston; along with other relatives and many friends. Please leave online 
condolences at www.Raderfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 4/20/2006