Clarence Sowers

Clarence Sowers was a man of great integrity and character who held such a special place in the hearts of those he treasured most.

With the end of WWII in 1945, Americans were enjoying the return to life as a nation at peace. Industry was no longer needed to produce goods in order to support the war effort, which made way for the birth of new technology in countless areas. It was in 1946 that calculation by computer began, the first electronic blanket was made available to consumers, and the banking industry began offering services for motorists who could be assisted by tellers sitting behind bullet-proof glass. This was also a year for a time of change in the family of Robert and Virginia (Combs) Sowers as they welcomed the birth of their son, Clarence, on November 4th. Clarence was born in Ohio as one of eight children in his family, which included siblings Robert, Neva, Carolyn, Pamela, Jack, David, and Wes.

During his formative years, Clarence witnessed firsthand the tremendous changes within our nation including the abolition of segregation in public schools and the Space Race during the fifties, as well as the unrest of the sixties as the Civil Rights movement gained momentum and the escalation of our nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War. As a young man, Clarence served his country in the United States Navy beginning in 1966 and ending on May 31, 1972. In recognition of his service, Clarence was awarded with the Second Good Conduct Award, the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and with the Presidential Unit Citation. The Presidential Unit Citation comes with great honor as it is a senior unit award granted to military units that have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy.

As a civilian, Clarence was a man of many accomplishments as well. He was employed at Illinois Tool Works (ITW) - Zip Pack in Manteno. Additionally, Clarence was greatly blessed in his personal life with the births of three daughters, Rachel, Jennifer, and Stephanie.

When he was able to enjoy some leisure time, Clarence pursued some of his interests. He could often be found tinkering with computers. Clarence loved country music from a variety of artists including the Oak Ridge Boys and George Straight, but also Garth Brooks and Martina McBride. He liked watching cooking shows on television and movies, and also reading a variety of materials.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Clarence Sowers took what life gave him and made the most of it. He brought such light and life to the world around him and will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by those he leaves behind.

Clarence E. Sowers of Bourbonnais died at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee on March 21, 2010. Clarence’s family includes his daughters, Rachel (Perry) Wofford of Fredricksburg, TX, Jennifer(Mark) Mulder of Dyer, IN, Stephanie (Jared) Beard of Bourbonnais; grandchildren, Stephen Wofford, Kayland Wofford and Nicholas Pinkerton all of TX, Kaylee Wheeler and Gavin Beard of Bourbonnais, and Kevin Mulder of Dyer; sisters, Carolyn (Charlie) Tinsley of GA, Pamela Silvres of GA; brothers: Jack (Karen) Sowers of TN, David Sowers of TN, Wes Sowers of TN; and several nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Robert Sowers, Jr. and a sister Neva Morrell. A time for friends and family to gather will be from 4:00 p.m. until the 7:00 p.m. funeral service at the Bourbonnais Chapel of Schreffler Funeral Homes. A visitation will be held at the Heritage Funeral Home in GA, Friday March 26, 2010 from 10:30 a.m. until the 12:30 p.m. service. Funeral services will be held at the Bourbonnais Chapel of the Schreffler Funeral Homes, Wednesday March 24, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Scott Graham officiating. There will also be a funeral service in Fort Oglethorpe, GA at the Heritage Funeral Home (3239 Battlefield PRKWY) Friday, March 26, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, TN following the 12:30 p.m. funeral service. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial donation to the charity of the family’s choosing.