Another honorable veteran of the USMC who graced us on earth has passed on. Joseph D. Clutts, Jr. passed away in his sleep during the morning of August 22nd, 2013 at the age of 77. He lived a very full life.

Joe's dedication to the USMC filled his every pore – Proud to be a Marine, Joe was deployed to Danang, Vietnam, with the Marine Wing Headquarters Group, Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron First Marine Air Wing from November 1966 to November 1969 in the Military Police and Criminal Investigations departments. Returning to the States in 1969, he was assigned to Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California, remaining in the Criminal Investigations Department. Joe retired from the USMC in 1975.

During his retirement Joe and Reiko enjoyed volunteering at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge and had a great time while working there which was like their second home. During this time, Joe also worked for the Newport Beach Police Department for a number of years. Joe has always kept busy during his retirement and is remembered by many as a man with many great stories and is known to always have a good joke to tell.

Joe has joined his son Michael who had passed away at the young age of 18 in heaven and has left behind a wonderful, loving wife Reiko and daughter Karen and son-in-law Keith. Joe also has two granddaughters Michaela, 23 years of age, and Kaulena, 15 years of age, whom he loved with all his heart.

We will always remember Joe as a wonderful husband, father, uncle, and a good friend. Even though his persona had an exterior that was as tough as nails, all of those that knew him will agree how Joe was the most honest, upfront person that you will ever meet.

As Joseph D. Clutts would say…. "OORAH!"

Be sure to view the Tribute of Honor slideshow produced by McCormick & Son Mortuary at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/424135