Obituary for Clarence "Bud" Franklin Heltzel
Clarence Franklin Heltzel Jr., age 87, passed away on Wednesday, February 10, 2022 at Spring River Christian Village.
Clarence was born on September 12, 1934 in Baxter Springs, KS to the late Clarence Sr. and Cleo (Bell) Heltzel. He had been a resident of the area for most of his life, also living in Bossier City, LA from 1983 to 2017, afterwards moving to Oronogo. He worked for the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Joplin and then in maintenance for Century Tel in Bossier City where he retired. Clarence served proudly in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War. He is a life-long member of the VFW and the American Legion until the last couple of years when his health kept him from being able to attend.
He married the love of his life, Miss Loretta A. Crowder on June 11, 1955 and celebrated over 63 years of marriage before her passing in 2018. He is survived by his son, Larry (Beth) Heltzel of Joplin, MO; daughter, Valorie (Jeff) Peavy of Allen, TX; brother, J. E. (Cheryl) Heltzel of Lone Jack, MO; daughter-in-Law, Pamela Heltzel of Webb City; 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchild.
Along with his beloved wife and parents, Clarence in preceded in death by his son, Mark (2020; sister, Reba (2018; brother Mike (2020), and a great grandson, Randy (2010).
A private family memorial service will be planned at a later date.
Clarence was born on September 12, 1934 in Baxter Springs, KS to the late Clarence Sr. and Cleo (Bell) Heltzel. He had been a resident of the area for most of his life, also living in Bossier City, LA from 1983 to 2017, afterwards moving to Oronogo. He worked for the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Joplin and then in maintenance for Century Tel in Bossier City where he retired. Clarence served proudly in the United States Marine Corp during the Korean War. He is a life-long member of the VFW and the American Legion until the last couple of years when his health kept him from being able to attend.
He married the love of his life, Miss Loretta A. Crowder on June 11, 1955 and celebrated over 63 years of marriage before her passing in 2018. He is survived by his son, Larry (Beth) Heltzel of Joplin, MO; daughter, Valorie (Jeff) Peavy of Allen, TX; brother, J. E. (Cheryl) Heltzel of Lone Jack, MO; daughter-in-Law, Pamela Heltzel of Webb City; 7 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchild.
Along with his beloved wife and parents, Clarence in preceded in death by his son, Mark (2020; sister, Reba (2018; brother Mike (2020), and a great grandson, Randy (2010).
A private family memorial service will be planned at a later date.