Clarence E. Reavling

Clarence was born on July 30, 1945, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Clarence Reavling and Mildred (Lindsey) Cartwright. The second of four children, he was raised and educated in Columbus and graduated from Bishop Hartley High School in 1964.

In 1972, Clarence earned his degree in Education from The Ohio State University and began what would become nearly 50 years of dedicated service to the students of Columbus City Schools (CCS). He started his career teaching elementary students before obtaining his master’s degree from Ohio State and moving into school leadership. Over the years, he served as vice-principal and principal in several schools that benefited from his steady guidance and strong leadership. Later, he transitioned into recruiting teachers for CCS—a role he loved so deeply that, even after retiring, he returned to continue this work until his final retirement in 2020.

While at Ohio State, Clarence also met the love of his life, fellow Education student Diane Slate. Their partnership grew into a marriage of 55 years, marked by devotion, teamwork, and the creation of a close-knit family that remains his greatest legacy.

Clarence lived life with joy and purpose. He loved golfing and fishing, and he especially cherished traveling—most often by RV—with his family. He drove from coast to coast, ventured into Mexico and Canada, and even navigated the streets of New York City so his daughter could visit various colleges. He delighted in seeing the world and was always planning the next adventure. Clarence was also a legendary shopper, known for finding the best treasures at the best prices. Gift-giving was one of his love languages, and many family members and friends were blessed by his thoughtful finds.

Clarence leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Diane J. (Slate) Reavling of Columbus, Ohio; daughter, Kelli D. Reavling-Cobb (Deric) of Columbus, Ohio; son, Scott (Aimee) Reavling of Carmel, Indiana; and three grandchildren, Zachary Cobb, Miles Reavling, and Quentin Reavling. He is also survived by his aunt, MaryJane Young; sisters, Beverly Moore, Jacquelyn Willis, and Julia Cameron; lifelong friend, Gregory (Catherine) Waddell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Reavling Family

In God’s Keeping

You labored here with loving hands,

You walked with quiet grace.

Now God has gently welcomed you

Into His warm embrace.

Though we must walk a while in grief,

Our hearts in time will mend.

For love remains, and faith reminds

We’ll see you once again.

Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”