He was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Banks Township, the son of Clarence and Myrtle (Taylor) Fales.

Clarence left Ellsworth Community School in the 11th grade to serve his country in the U.S. Navy in WWII. In 2003, he walked with the graduating class through commencement ceremonies to receive his high school diploma. He was the grand marshall for the 2003 Ellsworth Pig Roast.

On Oct. 19, 1946, he married Luella Brown Watters at Watters Cabin Camp in South Arm Township. They made their home in Ellsworth. Luella died in April, 2003, after 56 years of marriage.

Clarence worked at the Central Lake Canning Factory and the East Jordan Iron Works for many years. Upon retirement he became an avid recycler. He was passionate about keeping reusable materials out of landfills. Clarence was a farmer at heart and enjoyed gardening and raising various farm animals. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and listening to gospel and country music. He especially enjoyed the old hymns played by his wife Luella, a pianist and organist.

Surviving are his children, Sandra Fales of Johannesburg, Richard (Esther) Fales of Ellsworth, Mary Everett of Central Lake, Nancy (Mike) McGinley of Central Lake, and James (Alice) Fales of Ellsworth; 22 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Ruth) Fales of Ellsworth; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife Luella, he was preceded by a grandson Micheal A. Fales; brothers Lester Fales, and infant Clarence Edward Fales; sisters Nellie Carpenter, Bertha Greenman, and Agnes Raiser; sons-in-law Donald Everett, Fred Risteau, and "Mac" McRoberts.

Friends called at Hastings Funeral Home on Friday, April 20, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Grace Community Church in Central Lake with the Rev. Celia M. Hastings officiating. Burial was in Ellsworth Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Family Services or American Legion Post #488 in Ellsworth.