Herbert Clark Suckling, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on January 31, 2015. Herb was born on March 20, 1920 in Juniata, Pennsylvania to Herbert Clark, Sr. and Esther Ruth Burkett. Herb was the third of nine children.Herb was proud to have served his country during World War II. He was stationed at Terminal, Texas where he served in the Army Air Corp. Herb had a natural mechanical ability that helped him excel as a mechanic on the fighter planes.Herb met the love of his life during a blind date on his 23rd birthday. He married Winifred Mann on October 23rd, 1945. After the war they returned to Pennsylvania where they had one daughter, Sally LaRue. Herb returned to working for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Winter proved to be too much for Winifred so they returned to Odessa, Texas. Herb worked for Dunnigan Tool and Supply for 39 years. He got to travel the country working on oilfield machinery.Herb spent his retirement enjoying bowling, golf and spending time with his family. In his final years he began making clocks and giving them to everyone he met. His favorite of these clocks was made from a Texas shaped plate with the “Don’t Mess with Texas” slogan on it. Herb always had a smile and a peppermint for everyone he met.He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two brothers and three sisters. He is survived by three sisters, Alice Smeal, Hilda Blair and Beatrice DeBoe and husband Eric, brother in law, Ed Mann, daughter, Sally Suckling, granddaughter, Chloe Suckling, and many nieces and nephews.A celebration of Herb’s life will be held at 2pm Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Belmont Baptist Church.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
