Clyde Jacobs Jr., Major, USAF (Retired)
April 29, 1934 – December 23, 2013

Clyde Jacobs, Jr., age 79, of Rockport/Fulton, Texas went to be with our Lord on Monday afternoon, December 23, 2013.

A native of Overland Park, Kansas and Saint Joseph, Missouri, he was born on April 29, 1934 to Calvin Clyde and wife Vacaro (Hurst) Jacobs who preceded him in death as did his step-father Tony Shimek, brothers Bill and Bob Jacobs, wives Mary Riggins Canty and Carol Sue Simmons, first marriage children Nancy Skipper, Donna Vorndam and Clyde Jacobs, III, brothers-in-law John, Carter and Windy Riggins, Hobart “Buck” Simmons. He is survived by a sister Sandra Paul whose husband Don went to be with the Lord in November 2013, brother-in-law Jack Simmons and wife Candy, sons-in-law Michael Vorndam, Clay Thomas and wife Michelle, a cousin who was like a brother Larry Pettus Second marriage children Traci and Kelley Thomas also survive. Clyde is presently survived by wife Carol L. Riggins Jacobs and family, Jeff, Tracy, Scott Riggins, James Madl and daughters-in-law Tracy (Riggins) Madl, Tara Riggins & Dawna Maloy He had a total of 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed!

Major Jacobs was a career United States Air Force veteran who served as an airplane and helicopter pilot in Vietnam twice, July 1963-June 1964 and December 1965-November 1966, in Korea and in Southeast Asia from December 1972 to November 1974. Flying helicopters was second nature to him. Clyde received many commendations but refused to let his name be turned in for a Purple Heart because he didn’t want to be sent home from his service at that time. When he finally retired he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his endeavors during his 21 years of duty. He was proud to be an American and to serve his country during his years of marriage to Mary (Riggins) Jacobs. He was a loving parent and enjoyed his families over the years.

As a gifted scholar, after retirement from the U.S. Air Force he taught school in Aransas Pass, TX for three years, was a Deputy Sheriff and later County Commissioner in New Braunfels, Texas during the years married to Carol Sue (Simmons) Jacobs who was a surgical nurse. They also traveled to Costa Rico where they lived for some 15 years until her death from cancer. He shared the Lord with others by sharing the unconditional love the Lord had shown him through all his years. He was a humble giving servant of God and country in later years. Everyone loved him.

Clyde thanked the Heavenly Father for the nail-pierced hands that reached out in love, led him and took him through many tough situations in his military career. He trusted Him in all things. With a humble reverence, he was called to a greater access of God in Jesus Christ. He knew a God of love, goodness and mercy. With his sharp mind he believed in the printed Word of God and especially John 3:16 which tells how to obtain our salvation through belief in Jesus Christ. He followed the Lord daily as a testimony of faith and love.

In lieu of flowers, please show your appreciation to veterans and love to your family. We want to thank the doctors and staff of Christus Spohn Bayshore Pavilion Hospital and Angel Bright Hospice Center. A private family memorial will follow at a later date.