Clarence Thomasson entered this world on June 19th, 1928 in Warren, Arkansas to the parents John O. Thomasson and Maggie Thomasson. Born the second from the last of six boys, Clarence always created a way to forge through life and overcome obstacles thrown in his path. At a young age he jumped on a freight train and headed to California determined to make a better life for him and his family. In 1953 he was drafted into the army serving in Korea, Germany and other places abroad. After serving two years active duty and eight years in the reserves, he was honorably discharged and returned home to the Central Valley to begin his legacy.
Overcoming the stereotype of being “just a country boy from Arkansas” he went back to school and achieved his GED and went on to become a licensed cement mason and credentialed teacher. Many of the buildings you visit each day were constructed by Clarence and his teams, and many of the cement masons working to this day were taught by him. Clarence worked diligently and broke many racial barriers throughout his 41-year career in construction and cement masonry until he retired in 1987.
Aside from his family, Clarence also had a love for horses. Popularly known throughout the cowboy world as “Papa Clarence” he would yet again create a legacy to remember. After retiring from construction, he poured his time and heart into his community and horsemanship. He once said in an interview, “there were folks out there who needed food and clothing. Young people who needed help getting vocational training or a chance to go to college” and Clarence stood by his words. In 1987 he founded the San Joaquin Valley Boys, a nonprofit organization of cowboys whose mission was to service the homeless, seniors and children of the Central Valley with food, clothing, scholarships, and vocational training opportunities. In addition, they aimed to spark a passion for horsemanship in those whom otherwise would never have experienced such a life. Clarence also founded and hosted the first Juneteenth Celebration in San Joaquin County and thereafter annually for many years to follow.
While Clarence was many things and held many titles, his greatest asset was his heart. He gave many the shirt off his back, the shoes off his feet, the food off his plate, loaned money that was never repaid, and gave the last dollar in his pocket to those in need.
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