Clarence R. Giles

Clarence Roland Giles, 79, was called home on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

Born on July 4, 1945, in Chicago, IL, Clarence was an exceptional student, completing high school in just three years. He went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Air Force for four years. After his service, he settled in El Paso, TX, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in English – Creative Writing and a minor in Philosophy from the University of Texas at El Paso. While at UTEP, he met his beloved wife, Anastacia. They shared 54 beautiful years together.

A true renaissance man, Clarence had a deep love for jazz. He played the clarinet while in the Air Force and later took up the upright bass. Music was a lifelong joy – Clarence would often close his eyes, smile, and let himself be carried by the rhythms of jazz and funk.

Clarence’s professional life was as varied and inspiring as his personal passions. He broke barriers as the first Black reporter for the El Paso Times, served as a police officer with the El Paso Police Department, and worked as a social services director, small business owner, and industrial salesman. But above all, Clarence was a writer at heart. As a staff reporter and freelance writer, he found deep fulfillment in research and storytelling. He was rarely without a book in his hand or a pen in his pocket.

Clarence also had a lifelong fascination with flight—he loved watching planes, using flight simulators, and taking gliding lessons. Even the simple sight of soaring birds brought him joy, and his enthusiasm for flight was truly infectious.

Clarence was preceded in death by his mother, Eurabell Howard, and his sisters, Cheryl and Linda Howard. He is survived by his devoted wife Ana Giles; his sons, Christopher and Euri Giles; his daughter Gregoria Zamora; and his brother James Rush.

He was a loving and playful “Papi” to his seven grandchildren: Christopher and Katherine Giles, Euri, Isaiah, Caleb, and Leah Giles; and Aaron Cavazos II. Clarence cherished making paper airplanes with them, having flight contests, letting them “steal” his juice, play with his hair, and laugh at his famously corny “Papi” jokes. As they grew older, he passed on wisdom, advice, and life lessons that his grandchildren will carry with them always.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 01, 2025, with Reflections at 12:00 pm, at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive, with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:30 pm. Committal Service will be at 2:00 pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson, with Military Honors.  Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast. Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.