Clarence J. Benke, of Marlin, entered into rest Wednesday, August 28, 2013 in Goldthwaite. Visitation will be Friday, August 30 from 6-8PM with a rosary to be recited at 7PM at Adams Funeral Home in Marlin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 31 at 10AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marlin with burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Clarence was born December 11, 1923 in Lott, Texas to Joseph G. and Anna Marie (Tepe) Benke. He attended schools in Otto and Marlin and received his GED in Blythe, CA. Clarence joined the military, serving his county in the US Army. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for 35 + years, 20 of those years being with the Metro Water District, where he retired from in January of 1979. Clarence was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he sang in the choir for many years, often making visits to the nursing homes in the area and presenting the residents with his gift of song. He really loved music and played the fiddle in a country & western band. Clarence also enjoyed being outdoors and would often watch the thunderheads roll in as a storm was approaching. He was extremely attentive and interested in what the weather was going to do.
Clarence was all about family and loved spending time with his. He felt that family needed to be together as much as possible. He enjoyed capturing memories by taking photos and videos. After retirement, Clarence traveled and would often visit Silverton, CO.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents; 4 sisters, Rosalie Kroll, Dorothea Kunkel, Clara Powers, Anna Glockzin; wife, Dorothy Benke; son, Clarence Joe Benke, Jr.; and great-grandchild, Ariana Kathryn Garza.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Kathy A. Greensage and husband Billy of Marlin and Daniel Benke and wife Di Ann of Joshua Tree, CA; 2nd wife, Charlotte Anne Benke of Alamo, TX; grandchildren, Jake Benke of Pennsylvania, Jessica Jaimes of Uhland, Daniel Benke, Jimmy Benke, John Benke and Matthew Benke all of Joshua Tree, CA; great-grandchildren, Briana Garza of Austin and Kaitlin Womack of Uhland. Clarence will also be missed by his sister, Mary Ann Roberts and husband Billy of Marlin as well as numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Contributions and memorials in Clarence’s name may be made to Families of Hillcrest Cemetery, PO Box 553, Marlin, TX 76661.
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