Clarence Henry Persson

Funeral services for Clarence Persson will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Family Life Church with Pastor Bill Morel officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at Walker Funeral Home.Clarence Persson, age 82, of Gillette, Wyoming died Friday, March 29, 2013 at Primrose Assisted Living. Clarence Persson was born on February 13, 1931 in Gillette, Wyoming the younger of two, born to Carl H. and Irene (Cook) Persson. He attended first through sixth grade at Bundy Rural School. Clarence then attended Green Valley school and stayed with his grandparents, John and Myrtle Cook. Clarence proceeded to graduate from Campbell County High School in 1950. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in July of 1953 and was honorably discharged in January of 1956. During his stint in the Marine Corps, Clarence met Carol Ann Kay. The couple married in Manchester, Ohio on June 20, 1955. The two were married for over 56 years until her death on December 20, of 2011. Clarence and Carol returned to Gillette and took over the family ranch in early 1956. Clarence and Carol had three children together, Terrance, Troy and Sandina. They raised their family on the ranch until moving into the city of Gillette in 1979. The couple then retired from the ranch and they started traveling in their motor home. Clarence traveled the world, including all 50 states, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Africa. He was the creative type, solving all problems with his mind and hands. As a small boy he built haying equipment out of clothespins and bits of wood and wire. Furthermore, Clarence was a talented carpenter, as he built cabinets and closets for their home in addition to a roll-top desk he built for his daughter. Clarence fixed everything himself including mechanics, electrical wiring, and plumbing. He was very passionate about hunting, not only for him, but for others as well as he helped establish and run a hunting business for over 40 years. Clarence created a magnificent trophy collection of over 30 animals from North America and Africa.Clarence is survived by his children: Terrance (Cindy) Persson of Gillette, Wyoming, Troy (Lori) Persson of Phoenix, Arizona, and Sandina (Dan) Neal of Deadwood South Dakota; his sister, Betty (Bill) Reddock of Cody, Wyoming; grandchildren: Drew (Jenna), Ben (Missy), Josh (Tara), Cortney, Justin, Brittany (Cort) Petersen, Bridget (Garrett) Rothenhoefer, and Steven Neal and great grandchildren: Tynlee and Logynn Petersen.He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.Memorials are suggested to benefit the Close To Home Hospice House. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Clarence's name in care of Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com.Funeral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716