Born in Lankershim, CA (now part of North Hollywood) on April 4, 1926, Clarence Alfred Wethern, Jr. passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024, in Mandeville, LA, at the age of 98. The son of Louise Gentillon Wethern and Clarence Alfred Wethern, Sr., Al enlisted in the Navy in 1944. In 1948, he became one of three thousand “Flying Midshipmen” thanks to the Holloway Plan (Flying Midshipmen Pre-flight Class number 6-48). Al continued his military career, which included assignments to various VP (Patrol Bomber), NATS Ferry Wing, and VR (Transport) squadrons, finally ending in VR821 when, in 1967, when he retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant.
Al graduated from Tulane University in 1954 with a degree in Civil Engineering and is a lifetime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He worked for Belden Concrete/Marine Concrete Structures, Structural Concrete Bonding, and Jordano Construction where he provided the designs for numerous large buildings, bridges and infrastructure, and offshore concrete structures for the oil and gas industry. After leaving Jordano Construction, he spent 22 years working with the Orleans Levee District where he was instrumental in the restoration efforts at Lakefront Airport (where he became friends with sculptor Enrique Alvarez), the Frank Davis Fishing pier, and several flood control projects. He finally retired in 2012 at the age of 86. He was also a Registered Land Surveyor who was responsible for the design and layout of several Metairie subdivisions built during the 1950's and 1960's.
Al met the love of his life while on a fishing trip out of Pensacola, and married her in New Orleans on June 11, 1950. Preceded in death by his daughter, Louise Wethern Fletcher, and his son-in-law, Robert Williams. Al is survived by his wife of 74 years, Gloria Gandolini Wethern, his son Clarence “Buddy” Wethern, his son’s partner Halina Warren, his daughter Mary Wethern Williams, son-in-law Barry Fletcher, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Mandeville on Friday, August 16, at Noon. Visitation begins at 11am. Interment will take place at Metairie Cemetery at a later date. At this time, his daughter Louise Wethern Fletcher will also be interred in the family tomb. The family would like to extend special thanks to Christy Bridges, Rose Brumfield, Richard and Rear Macklin, Donnie Morgan, and Michele Walkowiak for their extraordinary care and support during this time.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the Wethern family requests that individuals perform a small act of kindness in memory of Al.
