Clarence Ray Monroe, 87, of Friona, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Brett Hoyle officiating. The family will receive guests for visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, August 25, 2023 at Hansard Family Funeral Home.
Clarence was born on September 2, 1935 in Henrietta, Texas to H.R. and Bess Monroe. He graduated from Olton High School in 1953. After working on the farm and gin he enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1956. After being stationed in France, he returned to marry his high school sweetheart, Peggy Bethel, on July 9, 1957. They returned to France and he faithfully served his country in the motor pool unit until he was honorably discharged in December of 1958.
Clarence worked as a farmer in Friona most of his life, farming cotton, wheat and corn. He served on the Parmer County Farm Bureau for 28 years, the Friona Farmers Co-Op Gin for 7 years, the Friona Livestock Show Board and even won the Texas Farm Bureau Pioneer Award in 2019. Because of his devotion to his community, Clarence was awarded Friona Man of the Year.
Clarence was a devoted member of his community, serving as the Mayor for 19 years as well as on the City Council, on the board of the Panhandle Regional Planning Committee for 6 years and served on the Friona Baseball board for many years. Above all, Clarence loved his family. He enjoyed nothing more than watching his grandchildren play sports. He always had tootsie rolls and candy ready to hand out after their games. He was an avid coin collector, a hobby he shared with his son, Alan as well as a collector of antiques, many of which he used for decorations in his barn. His family will always cherish the many gifts he made for them out of license plates and many other creative things. He will be remembered for his kind heart, strong-will and many stories and witty sayings.
Clarence is survived by his wife Peggy Monroe of Friona; son, Alan Monroe and wife Debbie of Friona;daughter, Renae Barnett and husband Chris of Lubbock; brother, Wayne Monroe and wife Nelda of Amarillo; 5 grandchildren, Morgan Lane of Midland, Kelby Monroe and wife Krystal of Austin, Jordan Jarecki and husband J'Lond of Friona, Macy Williams and husband Harvey of Austin and Caleb Monroe of Eugene, OR; 7 great grandchildren, Jace Jarecki, Jesalyn Jarecki, Jett Jarecki, Claire Lane, Emma Lane, Remy Williams and Zoe Williams and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lila Ruth Burmingham.
Clarence's family would like to express a special thank you to the staff, nurses and caregivers of Raider Ranch for the devotion, kindness and care shown to their entire family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to The Parkinson's Foundation.