Clarence H. Eilering, 87

Clarence H. Eilering, 87, of Jacksonville, Ill., died Sunday, June 20, 2010, at Barton W. Stone Home in Jacksonville. He was born July 27, 1922, in Damiansville, Ill., the son of Gerhard “George” and Anna Haar Eilering.

He married Lucille M. Hammond on Dec. 16, 1943, in Yuma, Ariz., and she preceded him in death on Nov. 5, 1997.

Clarence is survived by four children, Donna Eilering, Susan (husband, Ted Roth) Eilering, and David C. (wife, Benita) Eilering, all of Jacksonville, and Sally (husband, Bob Sorenson) Eilering-Sorenson of Post Falls; seven grandchildren, Anna Wilson, Elizabeth Ross, Rebecca Smith, Sarah Schell, Page Roth, Jacob Roth, and Jennifer Gaus; four step grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one grandson, Clayton Roth, and his siblings, Norbert G. Eilering, George H. J. Eilering, Melvin H. Eilering, Lillian D. Fox, Edna M. Kaufmann, and Marie A. K. Eilering.

The oldest of seven children, Clarence joined the Civil Conservation Corps to help support his family. He went on to serve in the United States Army during World War II, stationed in the Philippines. After returning from the war, Clarence tried his hand at a few jobs before becoming a letter carrier for the United States Post Office in Jacksonville. Clarence’s jovial disposition and ready smile won him many friends throughout his 27 years with the Post Office, and into his last years at the Barton W. Stone Home. He enjoyed visiting with staff and fellow residents.

Clarence was an avid golfer and spent his days off, golfing at the Nichols Park. His persistence at the game paid off in several Jacksonville city golf tournament victories and even a hole-in-one.

He was a member of the Church of Our Saviour, Knights of Columbus, and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Clarence will be remembered with much love for his quick wit, the twinkle in his eyes and his gentleness.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, June 25, 2010, at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Thursday, June 24, 2010, at the Williamson Funeral Home, where the family will meet friends from 6-8 p.m. A prayer service will be held at 5:45 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Barton W. Stone Activity Fund. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.