Ark Valley News - CLARENCE TEMPLETON

CLARENCE TEMPLETON
Last Updated: February 24, 2006

Clarence E. Templeton, 72, of Valley Center, retired Beech-Raytheon expeditor, died Feb. 17, 2006. Service was Feb. 21 at Calvary Baptist Church, Valley Center.

He was born June 7, 1933, in Wichita, the son of Elvin and Edith Templeton. He graduated from Valley Center High School in 1952. He was a U.S. Army ambulance driver based at Fort Riley Kansas, on active duty from June 1953 to April 1955. He served eight years in the reserves before being honorably discharged at the rank of corporal in March 1961. He retired from 43 years of service at Beech Aircraft in June 1995, having served as an expeditor in Department 80. He married Alice Fern Miller on Nov. 16, 1968. They lived in Wichita briefly before moving to Valley Center. Their twin daughters, Shelly and Kelly, died within days of their birth in October 1969. He also was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

He enjoyed bowling and golfing with his buddies, and won recognition in both sports. He especially enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He accepted Jesus Christ while a member of Kechi Methodist Church, and joined First Baptist Church of Valley Center, where he served as an usher, after marrying Alice. He later became a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church, serving as head usher and “general fixer-upper.”

Survivors include his wife, Alice; daughters and son-in-law, Lisa Janett and David Duerksen of Valley Center, Sandy, Diane; sons and daughter-in-law, Calvin James and Michelle Templeton of Kechi, Terry, Steven; sister, Lorane Sanders of Wichita, and grandchildren, Hailey, Christian and Brandon Templeton, Devin and Janett Duerksen.

Odyssey Hospice provided nursing care during the past few weeks. A memorial has been established with Odyssey Healthcare, 125 N. Market, Suite 920, Wichita, KS 67202. Baker Funeral Home had charge.