Click Here to Livestream Service for Clarence Andrew 8/23/2024 @ 11:00am

On October 17, 1945, Clarence Andrew was born to Lucile Beard and Travis Andrew in Los Angeles, CA. Later in his teens, Clarence and his mom moved to Pittsburg Texas, where he stayed until he graduated from high school.

Between 1964-1965, Clarence returned to Los Angeles, CA, where he lived with his Aunt Irene and his cousin Beverly. Now Beverly and Clarence were very close, more like brother and sister, and Clarence didn't hesitate to take on that role as her cousin/brother. He would tell her what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. Even in their adult years, he continued to take that role very seriously, and we know that she will, in her words, miss him like crazy.

Clarence attended Los Angeles Southwest College for 6 months, where he studied Liberal Arts. In 1965, Clarence was drafted into the Army during the height of the Vietnam War. He did basic training at Fort Dix Army Base in New Jersey, and was assigned to the 1st
Battalion Airborne Unit. Clarence witnessed unspeakable events while in Vietnam, which had a lasting effect on him and his comrades. After serving 2 years in Vietnam, he was honorably discharged in November 1967. He received several medals of commendation, such as The Parachute Badge, The National Defense Service medal, The Vietnam Service medal, and The Vietnam Commendation medal.

Clarence returned to Los Angeles, California, where he continued his education at Los
Angeles Southwest College. In 1973, he received his Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, and he also attended University of California Irvine, where he studied and received his degree in Social Ecology.

Later on in his life, Clarence moved to Bermuda, where he met his wife, Veronica. They'd known each other for 6 years before marriage and had mutual friends who felt they'd be amazing as a couple, but Veronica made him work. They eventually started dating in
March of 1995, and joined hands in marriage on December 30, 1995, in California. On December 30, 2023, they celebrated 28 years of marriage. Veronica was by his side everyday while Clarence was in the hospital. With the ups and downs, the daily
communication with his daughter Kim, and the difficult decisions they both made on a daily basis, her love and commitment for Clarence never wavered. She was there until the end. Veronica, from our heart to yours, THANK YOU!

Clarence was never a stranger to hard work. He held several positions throughout his career at the Naval Aire Station Point Mugu, Nas Point Mugu, NBVC Port Hueneme, and the Water Treatment Department. He was also the President of the National Association
of Government Employees. His wisdom and knowledge, and his expertise with complex control systems, made him an invaluable asset to the entire base command.

After 40 years of a successful career, Clarence retired from government service. But even after retirement, Clarence continued to be an asset to those who knew him. His friends would say he retired from one career to start a few more.

If you know Clarence, you know he was the social butterfly, and his inviting attitude towards people never stopped him from striking up a conversation. In a lot of instances, he created and maintained lasting life-long relationships wherever he went.

He enjoyed traveling, dining, fine wine, and his BMW's. He was a frequent attendee at the Playboy Jazz Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and any jazz festival in between. Clarence was also an active member of his high school alumni committee in Pittsburg,
Texas, where he served as their distinguished President.

But if you really know Clarence, you know his biggest love was his family. Whether they were immediate or extended, he loved everyone with the same love and compassion. There is a story that Clarence has told many of us throughout the years; One day while sliding down a hill with some of the neighborhood kids, he sliced his leg, and he didn't realize the severity of the injury until he saw the blood streaming down. Fearful and in
pain, an elderly white couple saw him and immediately applied a tourniquet to slow the bleeding and took him to get medical treatment. Now we all know that growing up in that era, an act of kindness and compassion such as that was sometimes rare and
unexpected, but for Clarence, it was a life-long memory that he never forgot. His mother couldn't thank the couple enough and asked what she owed. The couple passionately told her that she owed them nothing, and to pass it on, and that's what Clarence has been
doing ever since.

On July 14, 2024, Clarence gained his wings. God said well-done thy good and faithful servant, your work on this earth is complete. Clarence will definitely be missed by his wife Veronica, his 3 children, Kim (who he called KiKi), Charese, and Bryant, his stepson Cory, his cousin/sister Beverly, and his many brothers, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, aunts, uncles, and Godchildren (and yes, there are a lot). His laugh, his humor, and his unconditional
love will be remembered forever. WE LOVE YOU CLARENCE