The Carthage Republican
Carthage, Illinois
Wednesday
May 1, 1940
Page 2
Column 2

World War Veteran
Dies Following Stroke,
Tuesday, April 23

Clarence W. Porter, a disabled World War veteran passed away at the home of his brother Marion, near Fountain Green, Tuesday evening following a paralytic stroke of a week earlier.

Clarence was the youngest of three children born to Allen A. and Olena (Lane) Porter.  He was born December 6, 1886 on a farm near Middle Creek in Carthage township, and passed away April 23, 1940 at the age of 53 years, 4 months, and 17 days.

When Clarence was only four years old his mother died and he went to live with his grandmother.  He spent practically his entire young manhood in the Oak Grove and Middle Creek communities.  He was large and was one of the strongest men in his community and was considered a very good farmer.  When just a lad Clarence joined the church at Oak Grove and was baptized there and always remained a believer in the Christian faith.

On April 3rd, 1918 Clarence enlisted in the United States Army and was sent to Ft. Rosecrans where he was given five months training and sent overseas where he spent the next six months with the American Expeditionary Forces.  He was discharged with honors from the Army on March 10, 1919.  His discharge papers show that his character as a soldier was good and that he was especially mentioned as being honest and faithful.

Following Clarence's return from the World War he began to decline in health.  At two different times he was a patient at Hines hospital, near Chicago, where he was treated for both eye and throat trouble.  For two years he was a resident of the Soldiers Home at Quincy where his eyes were treated.

Even though his eye sight was practically gone Clarence remained ambitious and was a capable hand with livestock until his final illness.

For the last two years Clarence has made his home with his brother Marion where he was happy and devoted to his niece.  The three made a very congenial little family and Clarence's death is deeply mourned by both the brother and niece as well as by a sister, Mrs. Florence Hale and family of Carthage and three half sisters and a half brother who live in more distant places.

Clarence never married and was always much devoted to his brother and sister and their families.  He was free-hearted, neighborly, and honest.  His many friends are sad about his untimely passing.

"Sleep on, dear Clarence;
    Take thy rest!
God called thee home--
    He thought it best."

Funeral services were held at Webster, conducted by Rev. Fred S. Nichols.  Burial in Oak Grove cemetery.

The singers were: Arthur Spangler, Clem Duffy, Gladys McConnell, and Ada Latherow, who were accompanied at the organ by Ethel Callahan.  The songs were: "We shall gather at the river," "Good night here but good morning up there" and "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere."

Pallbearers were: George Latherow, Hugh Hasten, Floyd Hamm, Jom Whitten, Fay Brooks and Russell Myers.

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