Clarence Patrick Mingee

Clarence Patrick Mingee passed away on May 3, 2022, in Plano, Texas. He was born on November 7, 1924 in Savoy, Illinois to Albert and Mary Mingee. He was raised in Tolono, Illinois and graduated from the Tolono High School.

Receiving his draft notice before finishing High School, upon graduation, he immediately departed for the U.S. Navy where he served in the South Pacific during the most heated years of WWII, serving as a Seabee.

After returning from the war, he met and married Helen in 1947 in Champaign, Illinois and then moved to Peoria, Illinois where Clarence began a job with Caterpillar Tractor. Clarence retired from Caterpillar after 33 years. The couple had four children, Mary Ann, Cathie, Patricia and Charles. Charles preceded him in death.

Clarence and Helen enjoyed traveling to almost every state, including Hawaii and Alaska. As devoted Christians, they toured Israel a number of times.

After Helen’s passing ten years ago, Clarence devoted much of his time and attention on his great grandchildren, Jesse, Lyric, Ariella, Hannah and his namesake Gabriel Patrick.

Clarence and Helen attended the Plano Bible Church and will be greatly missed by those members.

Dubbed “Smiley” by those who knew him best, Clarence will be tremendously missed for his perpetual smile and bold Christian witness.

Clarence was fully committed to his God, his family and his country. Today he is enjoying his lifelong goal of seeing Jesus face-to-face. While he is already tremendously missed by his family and friends, we celebrate with him that he is at home with Jesus and his beloved wife, Helen.