Eddie Clardy Jr.

Eddie Dean Clardy Jr., 32, of Villa Ridge, Mo., formerly of Jackson, left this earthly world Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013, and gained his angel wings.

He was born Aug. 16, 1980, in Cape Girardeau to Eddie and Tammy Clardy.

Eddie was a devoted son, father, brother and friend. He loved spending time with family and friends, riding his four-wheeler and being out on the Meramec River soaking up the rays and stirring up the waves. He lit up a room with his vibrant smile and happy attitude. Though his earthly body wore out at an early age, he will be in our hearts forever.

Eddie had posted this saying a few years ago and it truly was his mantra with which he lived his life: "Whatever happens, just relax and manage to smile. Life is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be enjoyed. Sometimes it hurts, but make everyday your best day and live like there is no tomorrow."

He graduated from Jackson High School in 1998. His life was full of adventures and he lived life to the extreme.

Eddie served in the United States Marine Corps.

He earned an associate of applied science degree from Metro Business College, and spent his final years working as Granny's right hand man on the farm overlooking his beloved Meramec River. By trade, Eddie worked in the field of fiber optics as a skilled laborer and backhoe operator for Schatz Underground. Although he had many personal struggles, he always made time to love others and accept them unconditionally. He loved God, never met a stranger and always wore a smile on his face.

Survivors include his parents, Eddie and Tammy Clardy Sr. of Jackson; a son, Hunter Clardy (and his mother Kristy Land) of Jackson; a daughter, Tatum Clardy (and her mother Shana Wadlington) of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Keisha (Nick) Panagos of Jackson; two nephews, Joseph and Mark Panagos; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Watson of Cape Girardeau; paternal grandfather, Paul Clardy of Jackson; paternal great-grandmother, Bonnie Clardy of Jackson; a special granny, Shirley Schatz of Villa Ridge; maternal uncle and aunt, Jerry and Debby Friese of Scott City; paternal uncles and aunt, Rick Clardy of Jackson, and Brent and Kitty Prindle of Jackson; seven cousins, Lindi (Jason) Raines of Chaffee, Mo., Chad (Brooke) Prindle of Fort Stewart, Ga., Autumn (Travis) Stevens, Hailey (Dustin) Massey and Austin (Jessica) Clardy, all of Jackson, Bryan (Misty) Friese of Scott City and Deidre (Gary) Kluesner of New Hamburg, Mo.; and a special family, Dan, Jennifer, Reid, Kaela and Allison Dauster of Villa Ridge.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Edward Watson; paternal grandmother, Mabel Clardy; and paternal great-grandfather, William Paul Clardy.

Friends may call from 3 p.m. until time of service Friday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The Rev. Ken Strong will officiate a memorial service at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Honorary pallbearers are Bryan Friese, Chad Prindle, Austin Clardy, Daniel Lusk, Jarod Suedekum, Benji Hahs, Jeremy Hahs and Dan Dauster.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing an education fund for his children, Hunter and Tatum. Memorials may be made c/o Keisha Panagos, 2345 Jonathan Dr., Jackson, MO, 63755.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.