Clarence Thornbrough's Obituary
CLARENCE THORNBROUGH JR. October 7 1928 – April 24th 2018.Son of the late Clarence Thornbrough, Secretary to Governor Faubus, of Arkansas, & Mother Thelma. He grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and graduated class of 1946, Central High. Clarence was president of Delta Sigma fraternity and was a DeMolay member, which led to a fifty year membership in the Scottish Rite Fraternal Order. He was president of the Bachelors’ Club, president of the Jaycees, and drove in the caravan of cars to take Dixie Hopkins, Miss Arkansas, to the Miss America pageant in Chicago. As Clarence grew up, he had a good work ethic, especially since his father was in WWll. He caddied at a country club, was a soda jerk at Wades’ Drug store, and a delivery boy at Central Printing. He found time to be with friends at Granoff’s. Clarence was an accomplished pianist. He drew a crowd one night as he played at the Arlington Hotel, in Hot Springs. He served in the Navy, and on his return, he started his career as an office supply salesman for a wholesale company which he excelled at for more than 35 years. West Texas was his territory in the early days. He lived in Abilene, where he met his wife of 59 years, Pat. He gladly transferred to Dallas, Texas, in 1968. After retirement, Clarence and Pat enjoyed class reunions, travelling, fishing, boating, and relaxing at Lake Texoma with family and friends. Pat and Clarence attended Prestonwood Baptist Church. Clarence’s two sisters preceded him in death: Bet Hampel of Benton, Arkansas, and Kay Lucy, of Little Rock, Arkansas. Clarence is survived by his wife, Pat, son John, daughter Andrea and her husband Vernon, cousin Jen Brown, along with several nieces and nephews. Services at Wildwood Chapel, Restland, Dallas April 27th at 12.30 p.m. Viewing at the Funeral home Thursday evening April 26th between 6.00 & 8.00 p.m. Honorary pallbearers: Walter Lucy, Pat Hampel, Mark Hampel, Tim Hampel, Joseph Stanyer, and Jared Stanyer, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scottish Rite Childrens’ Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
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