Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
GOUVERNEUR - Clark D. “Donny” Putman, of Gouverneur, New York, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on November 2, 2026.
The son of Herbert Putman and Evelyn Foy, Donny was born July 24, 1939, in Auburn Prison as his father worked there as a herdsman. He attended schools in Alexandria Bay and attended Gouverneur with the class of 1957. His strong work ethic developed early, as he took on the responsibility of running the family farm with his brother Ronnie, at a young age.
Before beginning his career in law enforcement, Donny worked at Mercer’s Dairy, the paper mill, hospitals in Gouverneur and Malone and, as a journeyman welder. In 1965, he joined the New York State Police, beginning a distinguished career spanning 31 years. He rose through the ranks of trooper, sergeant, and investigator before retiring as a senior investigator. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards and took great pride in his work and service to others. Following retirement, he established St. Lawrence Security Service and continued working as a private investigator.
Donny had a lifelong love of aviation, spending 50 years flying as a private pilot and sharing his knowledge as a flight instructor. A jack of all trades, he enjoyed tinkering, rebuilding, and fixing just about anything. When he was not spending time with family or working on a project, he could often be found working out and enjoying coffee with friends.
Above all, Donny was devoted to his family. A loving husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and son, he was hardworking, intelligent, kind, and supportive; a protector with a playful sense of humor. He cherished gatherings with his large extended family.
Although he was content to sit in the back and listen at these gatherings, he could always be found with a grandchild in his arms.
Donny is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Shirley Jean Roberts Putman; his five children, Dr. Donald Putman (Amy), Melissa Putman Tersmette (Michael), Melinda Putman Waldron (Gary), David Putman (Angel) and Christy Putman Kraker (Evan). He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren with another on the way, four sisters, many sisters-in-laws, brothers-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Ronald Putman; and his grandchild, Evie Lee Tersmette.
Donny’s legacy lives on in the family he loved, the people he protected, and the many lives he touched. His steady presence in the lives of the people around him, his eagerness to help, and ability to bring laughter to those around him will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 8 with calling hours from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 State Highway 58, Gouverneur, NY 13642. A funeral service will follow directly after at the same location. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund or the State Police Summer Program, a program near and dear to Donny’s heart, via the New York State Trooper Foundation (NYSTF).
Signal 30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund™: Donations can be made online at www.https://signal30.org/. You may also make donations by check, made payable to “Signal
30 NYS Troopers Benefit Fund, Inc.” and mailed to 20 Century Hill Dr. S, Suite 3, Latham, NY 12110. Please indicate “In memory of senior investigator Clark Donald Putman” with your donation.
State Police Summer Program: Donations can be made online at nystf.org/donate.html.
You may also send your check in the mail, made payable to “The New York State Trooper Foundation”, along with the Print and Send Donation Form, to 3 Airport Park Blvd., Latham, NY 12110.
