Clarence Harold Clinefelter

Clarence Harold Clinefelter August 9, 1922 - June 16, 2010 Clarence Harold Clinefelter of Waco died peacefully Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at Lutheran Sunset Home in Clifton. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 19, at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 -8 p.m., Friday, June 18, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Harold was born on August 9, 1922, in Kirbyville, Texas, to Ammie Hicks and James T Keeton. His mother re-married, when he was a boy, to C.D. Clinefelter, who adopted Harold and his twin brother, Howard, as his own. Both Mr. Keeton and Mr. Clinefelter played significant roles in molding Harold and his brother into the men they became. The boys graduated from Silsbee High School in the spring of 1940, and in the fall they enrolled at Lamar Tech in Beaumont on full football scholarships. They joined the United States Navy in 1941 and fought together in World War II. On November 13, 1942, Howard was killed during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Shortly after Howard's death, Harold returned home on survivor's leave and married his high school sweetheart, Yvonne Moffett, on December 28, 1942. For 65 years, their marriage was the textbook, defined by love and family, until Yvonne's passing in April 2008. Harold later returned to the Pacific to continue his service as Chief Electrician's Mate, fighting in the battles of Marcus Island, Tarawa Island, Wake Island, Bougainville, Gilbert Island, Augusta Bay, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Marianas, Hollandia, Caroline Islands, Saipan Islands, Tinian, and the First Battle of the Eastern Philippines. He stood on the deck of the USS Missouri and witnessed the surrender of the Japanese to Allied Forces on September 2, 1945. After the war, Harold returned home to start his life with Yvonne in earnest - to work and raise a family. He worked for 32 years as an electrician and an electrical supervisor for Pure Oil Company in Port Neches, Texas, and his wife and kids were the dominating theme. Later in life, he developed a special bond with his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. His gift for making them feel unique and loved is his legacy that will live forward in them. Harold's involvement with Boy Scouts also played a central role in who he was. As a young man, Harold worked hard to become an Eagle Scout, and as an adult, he was a Scout and Explorer Leader. He was awarded the organization's prestigious Silver Beaver award for his years of service, and the Boy Scout Oath served as his outline for living: On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Harold was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; his sisters, Daisy Keeton, Katie Keeton Keeling and Jim Keeton Cole; and brother, Howard Keeton Clinefelter. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Moffett Skillern and husband, Link, of Silsbee; his daughter, Jeanne Clinefelter Becker and husband, Gary Becker, of Waco; his son, Harry Clinefelter and wife, Sabra, of Schulenberg; grandchildren, Jason Becker and wife, Lori, of Waco, Jennifer Becker Wright and husband, Tommy, of Austin, Will Becker and wife, Lauren, of Sunnyvale, and Caitlyn Clinefelter of Schulenberg; great grandchildren, Jake, Cole, Ellie, and Jillian Becker of Waco, Emma, Becker, and Clara Beth Wright of Austin, and Cline Becker of Sunnyvale. Pallbearers are Jason Becker, Will Becker, Tommy Wright, Howard Keeling, Jim Dan Keeling, Rocky Skillern, Randy Skillern, Rick Skillern, Joe Mayfield, Bill Stokes, Kent Starr, Scott Jones, Web Lowder, and David Horner. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Richardson, Bill Fontaine, Link Skillern, W.R. Smith, Ralph Post, and Gary Barbin. The family would like to recognize and thank Dr. Gary Barbin and his staff, Dr. Carl Chakmakjian and his staff, the Providence Park family, and Lutheran Sunset Home in Clifton for their loving care. Memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America – 300 Lake Air Drive – Waco, TX 76710; and the Admiral Nimitz Foundation – 328 E. Main St – Fredericksburg, TX 78624. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.