Funeral arrangements for Clarence Williams, 94, of Mobridge will be 2 PM, Tuesday, June 21, at the United Congregational Church in Mobridge. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation is from 3-6 PM at the funeral home and hour prior to services. Military honors will be provided by the Mobridge Parker-Browder American Legion Post #4. Clarence passed away June 18, 2011 at his home in Mobridge.

Clarence Raffelle Williams was born December 24,1916 in Corning, Iowa, to Harvey M. and Ethel Lantz Williams. In 1918 the family moved to a ranch near Okaton, South Dakota, and later moved to a succession of farms in southeastern S.D. Clarence attended rural schools until seventh grade. He attended Argonne Consolidated High School where he participated in baseball, basketball and track, graduating in 1937. During high school he also worked as a farmhand for two brothers, Martin and William (Pheba) Larsen. He entered Huron College in September 1937.He participated in football, track and music and supported himself by working in restaurants, private homes, and for the college. In 1939, Clarence joined Company "C", 109th Engineer Regiment of the South Dakota National Guard The regiment was federalized in November 1940 and in February 1941 was sent to Camp Claiborne, LA. Based on experience with light trucks with the Huron Delivery Service, Clarence volunteered for truck driver duty. Following the attack at Pearl Harbor, the 34th Division of which the 109th Engineers was a part was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey. While at Fort Dix, Clarence transferred to the United States Air Corps. During flight training he was joined in marriage to Shirley Lavonne Dearborn, at Selma, Alabama, December 22, 1942 They resided in Selma until Clarence completed advanced flight training and received his wings and was commissioned a Second Lt. Clarence was transferred to Eglin Air Force Base, where he served as a tow pilot, gunnery instructor, and Squadron Commander. He and Shirley lived in Crestview, Florida during the time of his service at Eglin AFB. A daughter, Lavonne Claire was born to them at the Eglin Air Force Hospital. Following the end of the war in 1945 Captain Williams was separated from the service.

He returned to Huron College and completed his Bachelors degree in May 1946 and a son, Ronald Ray was born to Clarence and Shirley in July before he began his first teaching assignment at Sisseton, South Dakota. Clarence was a classroom teacher and track coach. After summer graduate studies at the University of Colorado he transferred to South Dakota State University to complete his Masters degree in Education and for 24 years was the high school principal. During that time he also began a new phase of military service by joining the U. S. Air Force Reserve, retiring in 1974 as a Lt. Colonel.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and serving as a Deacon and Ordained Elder. As an educator he was a member of the South Dakota High School Principals Association, National High School Principals Association, American Vocational Association and the National Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools Commission. He was named an Outstanding High School Principal in 1982. He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge, and Kiwanis Club, serving as president and as Division Lt. Governor. He and Shirley retired from the Sisseton School and moved to Mobridge, SD in June, 1982.

Clarence became active in several community activities, including the United Congregational Church, The Mobridge Senior Citizen Center, The Mobridge AARP Chapter, The Civic Concert Association, and the Mobridge Chamber of Commerce. Clarence, as a member of AARP served at several volunteer levels, including state legislative committee, assistant state director, state director and instructor for the AARP "55 Alive" Mature Driver Program. He was also a member of the Oahe Area Retired Teachers Unit.

Clarence's favorite activities were boating, fishing, hunting, gardening, traveling and reading. Clarence and Shirley have taken several memorable tours together, both in the U.S and abroad. He loved to have friends and former students come to fish and hunt with him. He was happiest when hunting with son-in-law and his two grandsons.

Clarence is survived by his wife Shirley, daughter Lavonne (John Salzsiedler) of Mobridge, son Ron Williams of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, two grandsons, John (Sheila) Salzsiedler, of Apple Valley, Minnesota and James (Jeana) Salzsiedler of Mayer, Minnesota, five great grandchildren, Grace, Grant, Jake, Jordyn and Julia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

Memorials may be directed to United Congregational Church or the A. H. Brown Library Foundation.