Clarence Smith

A true farmer through and through, one of the most vivid memories of Clarence Smith will be of him driving his tractor. In fact, he was still driving his tractor well into his nineties and just two weeks before his death. Clarence valiantly served his country during a time of need and was proud to have served during WWII. He was a man who certainly understood the value and necessity of hard work even from his earliest days. Clarence lived a long life in which his days spanned numerous life-altering events that all worked together to shape him into the remarkable man who was loved by all who knew him.

The year 1917 is quite often remembered as the year in which President Wilson requested permission to enter WWI after an escalation of events left America unable to remain neutral any longer. As our young men were going overseas to light the battle for the world’s liberty, there was much to celebrate in the home of William and Mary (Shafer) Smith as it was in this year that they welcomed the birth of their son, Clarence, on September 5th. Clarence was born and raised in Dallas Township, Michigan located just to the west of St. Johns. He grew up on the family farm where they raised livestock including cows, sheep, chickens, and hogs, and they also grew corn, wheat, barley, and sugar beets. Being raised on a farm provided Clarence with the opportunity to establish a strong work ethic which would follow him throughout his entire lifetime. He certainly had his fair share of farm chores and was a very hard worker who never complained about anything. Clarence even drove the tractor as a young boy but since he wasn’t strong enough to be able to master it all on his own, his younger brother Leonard would come along too and operate the clutch. Clarence and his siblings used to go to Stoney Creek to take their weekly baths in order to completely clean off the well-earned sweat and dirt from a hard week of work.

In October of 1929, the stock market crashed and although “Black Friday” didn’t solely cause the Great Depression, it was one of a chain of events that brought America to its knees. The farming industry in Michigan was acutely affected by the economic hardship that remained all throughout the thirties and in some cases, even beyond that decade. Times were tight in the Smith household too and each family member did what they could to help. Clarence walked six miles each way to school at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Westphalia where he received his formal education thru the eighth grade. To earn extra money he would cut wood and sell it for a minimal amount of pay. Clarence also enjoyed catching sparrows in the barn because he earned a penny for each of them. In the late thirties, Clarence drove their team of horses to town and traded them in for a new tractor.

As a young man, Clarence entered the Army in 1942 as out nation had become deeply entrenched in WWII in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. During his time in the service Clarence used to trade cigarettes for beer as often as he could. He served for a total of four-and-a-half years before being discharged.

Upon his return stateside, Clarence returned back home where he resumed his farming duties. Although much of his time was consumed by his work, there were a few other ways in which Clarence enjoyed spending his time. With his great love for the outdoors, he enjoyed hunting from time to time. Clarence also liked to attend local softball games, and was a proud member of the VFW Post #3733 where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow servicemen. Clarence also liked to go to the Oakwood Lounge in Pewamo for coffee with his friends. One of the greatest highlights in his life was when he visited the National WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Family also played an important role in Clarence’s life. He fostered close relationships with all of his family members over the years. Clarence’s family even threw him a huge birthday party in celebration of his 90th birthday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Activity Center in Pewamo.

Although he was still able to drive his tractor until just a couple of weeks ago, the years eventually took a toll on Clarence’s body. He suffered a stroke on Sunday, November 22nd and was taken to the hospital. Clarence was unable to recover and peacefully drew his last breath surrounded by his loving family.

Clarence Smith was a man of great integrity and character whose life experiences shaped him into an extraordinary man. He was no stranger to hard work throughout his life, but he also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Clarence made the most of each day he was given while loving those he treasured most. He will be dearly missed by all those he leaves behind.

Clarence T. Smith of Pewamo, died Monday, November 23, 2009. Clarence’s family includes his sisters; Germaine Craft of New Haven, IN, Harriet Motz of St. Johns, Alma Smith of Pewamo; brother, Paul (Greta) Smith of Montclair, VA; and many nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard “Bert” Smith; sisters, Marian (Roman) Hafner, Sr. Hildegarde Smith, S.C.C.; brothers-in-law, Richard Craft and Fran Motz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2009 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo with the Rev. Fr. Charlon Mason presiding. A Military Graveside service will immediately follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. A Rosary Service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday and a Scripture Service will be held at 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the St. Joseph School Educational Trust Fund (Pewamo) or VFW Post #3733.