Clarence Griffith

Clarence Edward Griffith 96years, 4 months, 1 week, passed away on July 26, 2008 around 7PM surrounded by his family. He resided in San Clemente, California and passed away in Webb Lake, Wisconsin at his son Mike's cabin. He was born on March 19, 1912 in St. Paul, Minnesota to George Griffith and Ina Suthers Griffith and older brothers George, Chuck and Paul. On June 7, 1941 he married the love of his life, Eleanor Ann Carse in Boulder City, Nevada. He graduated from Los Angeles High School in the summer of 1930. He also attended the University of Southern California. Clarence served in the US Army 1942-1946 finishing as a Captain in the Army Infantry. He earned many decorations including 2 Bronze Stars with oak leaf cluster and the Purple Heart. Fought at the battle of the Bulge and was a liberator at Dachau concetration camp. His oral history of the liberation of Dachu was videotaped in 1998 and is archived at the Shoah Foundation Institute at the University of Southern California. He worked for Texaco Inc from 1930 until his retirement in 1972 (42 Years). He started as a "mail boy" and retired as Credit Manager for the Western States. Upon retirement he remained active with the Texaco Retirees and served as President in 1988. From 1912 to 1922 resided in St. Paul, MN. In 1922 moved with his family to Los Angeles. For most of his childhood through early adulthood he lived in the Adams-Crenshaw district of Los Angeles. When he married Eleanor they moved to Alhambra (1941-1972) where he raised his family. Since 1972 he has been a resident of San Clemente. As a young man he was an avid bowler. Upon retirement he took up golf and was a member of the San Clemente Men's Golf Club, serving as President in 1976. Clarence was a lifelong Mason, he joined the Order of DeMolay in 1928. He belonged to the Mason Lodges at West Adams, Adams-Palms, Triangle, San Clemente and Irvine. 1993 joined the order of the Scottish Rite, belonging to El Bekal Temple Shrine and South Coast Shrine Club where he served as president in 1995. He was also a member of the VFW of San Clemente, American Legion of San Clemente the 42nd Rainbow Division Veterans and the 222 Infantry veterans, where he served as president 1997-99. Throughout his life, God and Church were very important in his life. He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Paul, MN, West Adams Baptist Church, Los Angeles, CA, Oneonta Congregational Church, South Pasadena, CA, Palisades United Methodist, Capistrano Beach, CA. He was the ultimate husband and parent. He sacrificed many personal and career advancements to remain dedicated and involved with his wife and children. He never missed a school function, game, concert or event that involved his children. He was an active joiner and became involved in every aspect of his family's life. PTA (life member), Little League, Pop Warner football, high school sports and activites were just a few of his commitments through the years. He is survived by his daughter Patricia Bailey of Escondido, and son Mike Griffith (Debra) of Madison, Wisconsin. Grandchildren Bryan Verdekel (Carole), Steven Verdekel (Edith), Michael Bailey, Christoper and Natasha Griffith; Great-grandchildren Bryn and Aiden Verdekel, Sarah and Sean Bailey. He is also survived by his beloved niece Carole Van Houten and husband John. Great niece and nephew Paulette Roper (Harvey) and John Van Houten Jr. (Holly) and great-great nieces and nephews, John, Jacob, Charlotte Rose and Grace. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor in 1988 and brothers George, Chuck and Paul. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at Palisades United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM, 27002 Camino de Estrella, Capistrano Beach, CA 92626. A reception will follow. Local funeral arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin.