John Joseph 'Jason' Clancy

July 23, 1935 - Feb. 13, 2008

HAYES CENTER -- John died on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008 at his home in Hayes Center. He was 72 years old.

John was born to David William and Veronica (Scott) Clancy on July 23, 1935 in Philadelphia, Pa. He grew up and was schooled mainly in Philadelphia. He attended Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, Pa.,; University of Pennsylvania earning a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration and Temple University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering.

On Oct. 10, 1998, John and Patty S. (Deisley) were married at the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church at the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. They resided at Hayes Center.

John was a Korean Veteran being honorably discharged on July 22, 1959, from the Navy. He was a Tin Can Sailor. John had two uncontrollable diseases; one was alcoholism, which he defeated on Dec. 24, 1973, and the other was two strains of cancer, one of which defeated him.

John was a Webelos (Cub Scout) Eagle (Boy Scout), Assistant Scout Master, Scout Master, and Assistant SEA Scout Master. Besides the various trips to skid rows and Medical Centers, he and two fellow officers opened a business. He was well traveled and was known by many state and county officials, particularly sheriffs, clerks and highway superintendents.

Jason was his professional name and he was well known for his talks in the fields of safety and alcoholism. He held offices up to chairman in several including American Red Cross Safety and National Fire Protection Association. Jason was employed with Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (NIRMA) at the time of his death.

Some would ask how so much could be done in such a short time and he would tell them "I was Irish, a drunk, a fighter and a fool. I was finally able to sober up and through the use of spiritual tools; it's been one hell-of-a-ride".

Preceding him in death were his parents; one son; and father-in-law, Louis Deisley.

Survivors include his wife, Pat of Hayes Center; son, Robert LaRocca and fiancé, Shannon Lee of Lincoln; son Troy Stover and wife, Renay of Grand Island; daughter, Mindy Hackel and husband, Jon of Ord; five grandchildren, Andrew and Rachel Stover, Payton Hackel, and Haley and Faith Andreesen; two brothers; one sister, Barbara Ann; mother-in-law, Alice Deisley of Franklin; and many nieces and nephew and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to the Callahan Cancer Center at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte, the Hayes Center EMT's, or the McCook Community Home Health/Hospice.

John has chosen cremation. A celebration of his life will be at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook, on Friday, 10 a.m., with Pastor Fay Ann Blaylock officiating.

Another celebration will be at Roper and Sons Funeral Home in Lincoln, 4300 East "O" Street, on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m., with Rev. Cole Fowler officiating. Inurnment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Bloomington at a later date.

Friends may sign his book at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home during business hours or send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.