Clarence Riewe

Clarence Victor Riewe was born November 8, 1922, in Pottsville, Texas to Edwin and Ella (Reue) Riewe. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pottsville. He married Mildred Schulz on September 10, 1950, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville. Clarence worked with his father on their family farm until going to work in the West Texas oilfields as a Driller for Schkade Brothers Drilling Company. He and Mildred lived with their daughters in various communities in West Texas before moving to Abilene where he worked at the missile silo facility. In 1965, the family moved to League City when he started work at NASA and transferred their membership from Zion Lutheran Church in Abilene to Hope Lutheran Church in Friendswood, where Clarence served as an Elder for many years. Until health problems brought about an early retirement, Clarence helped support the Apollo and Space Shuttle missions as a Cryogenics specialist. He received numerous awards including recognition for contributions to the First Space Shuttle flight of Columbia as well as flights of the Enterprise. He was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

He enjoyed working with his hands and never turned down an opportunity to try to repair a motor, machine, or something that others considered unfixable. He specialized in refrigeration and air conditioning. Clarence always had a smile on his face and logged many hours coming to the aid of a friend or acquaintance in need of help. His favorite "machine" was his Ford tractor which was affectionately named "Old Betsy". He and "Betsy" mowed many areas around League City including the grounds of Hope Lutheran. He loved being outdoors and was an avid hunter, spending time in pursuit of deer and other wildlife with his daughter, Clarice, and brothers-in-law Melvin Schulz, William Kopp, and Oscar Schkade.

Clarence is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Mildred; daughters Clarice Brewer and husband Haskel of Pasadena, and Regena McMurrough and husband Tim of Baytown; grandchildren Erin McMurrough of Houston, Daniel McMurrough of Midland, and Holly Brewer of Pasadena; sister, Valeria Kopp and husband William of Freeport; and brother-in-law Oscar Schkade of Abilene. He is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends The Maldonado Family.

He is preceded in death by his parents E.L. and Ella Riewe; brother Emmanuel Riewe and wife Clara; brother Melvin Riewe and wife Marian; and sisters Nora Schkade and Cora Riewe.

Clarence was a resident at Baywind Village Convalescent Center in League City for almost 7 years and the family wishes to thank the staff for their kindness and loving care.