Clarence Patton Hamner

He was born March 30, 1933, in Tuscaloosa. A lifelong member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Clarence was a devoted Christian who taught his children the importance of faith. He graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School in 1951 and joined the U.S. Navy, where he served until 1956 in the Pacific Ocean during the Korean War. He bravely served as a gunner aboard the USS Swift and USS Zellar patrolling the coasts of Japan and Korea in an effort to deter further occupation by the North Koreans. After an honorable discharge in 1956 he married the love of his life, Margaret Ann Hubbard, and started his family. Clarence was a valued and respected employee at Alagasco for over 30 years until his retirement in 1993. In his retirement he enjoyed working in his shop, farming, and anything that involved using his tractor.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Sexton Hamner and Benjamin Franklin Hamner; his loving wife of 43 years, Margaret; his brothers, Ezekiel, Vassie, and Frank; his sisters, Dorothy Pate, Mary Francis, Katherine Rogers, and Sarah Mills; and a great-granddaughter, Rileigh Morgan Campbell.

He is survived by his sister, Della Robbins; his three sons, Charlie (Virpi), Craig (Pam), and Clark (Bridgett); seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Glenn Mills, Gary Mills, Mike Robbins, Tim Parley, Dale Dowdle, and Lee Dowdle.

Honorary pallbearers are members of Bethel Presbyterian Church, the Sexton Bend Road community, and all current and former employees of Alagasco.

The family wants to say a special thanks to Dr. Harrell and the entire MICU and TSICU staffs for their around the clock dedication.

A time for condolences and visiting with the family will be tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at Bethel Presbyterian Church with Mark McCormick officiating. Burial will follow in Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. The body will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church.