Clarence Singmaster

Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Clarence Singmaster

Clarence Singmaster died April 21, nine days short of his 98th birthday. His death was unexpected, quick and painless.

He was born in 1916 to William "Bill" Manley and Ella Faye Singmaster of Fort Scott. Growing up in a rural setting, he never lost his love of animals.

A member of the "Greatest Generation," Clarence served in the National Guard, served in the U.S. Army during WWII and served an additional stint in the U.S. Army Reserves after the family settled in Vancouver, Wash.

He met Kathryn McGuire of Uniontown at a dance. They dated for two years and were engaged when they eloped in 1941. They moved to the northwest in 1948. He believed that his experience at his first salaried job at the Chevrolet dealer in Fort Scott helped him launch his career at Braley & Graham Buick in Portland, Ore. He worked there for 32 years, retiring as sales manager. He was a natural salesman, gregarious and genuine. He was a car guy.

He loved spending time with his kids, taught them to ride horses, ride bikes, fish and camp.

Clarence and Kathryn traveled extensively. In addition to driving back to Kansas every two or three years to visit family, they toured every state, seven Canadian provinces, all of Europe, China, USSR, Mexico, Ireland and the UK.

He and Kathryn were active in church and community. For the past seven years, they have lived at Hearthstone at Murrayhill.

Clarence is survived by his wife Kathryn, four children -- Linda Kay (Raymond Miller), Jimmie Lee (Jan Daniel), Mary Dee (Thomas Linder), Donna Jean Singmaster (Timothy Errington), three grandchildren - Jaye Ann Miller (Eric Carlson), Leslie Kay (Erik Runyan), R. Scott Miller (Teri), and five great grandchildren - Erin, Megan, and Paige Runyan, Marissa and Wyatt Miller as well as his sister, Wilma McClain of San Diego, Calif.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. April 30 (his 98th birthday) at Hearthstone, 10880 S.W. Davies Road in Beaverton.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Talking Books and Braille Services.

Clarence led a good life, was devoted to wife and family. With his ready smiles, cheerful teasing and warm hugs, he enriched the lives of those who knew him.