Clarence Earl Lovell Jr.

Clarence Earl Lovell Jr., known as "Jr" to family and friends, of Des Moines Iowa passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 of a Heart Attack. Clarence was born in Sioux City, Ia. to Clarence Earl Lovell Sr. and Verla Actea Loux on December 26, 1936. Clarence joined the USAF Air National Guard on Feb. 6, 1954, graduated from Central High School is Sioux City, IA in 1955 and continued to serve in the guard until May 11,, 1956. On May 15, 1956 Clarence joined the US Navy where he was part of the crew building the USS Independence Aircraft Carrier. The Ship was laid down on July 1, 1955 and launched on June 6, 1958 and was then stationed in Norfolk, VA. Clarence served his entire Navy career aboard the USS Independence and was honorably discharged on April 26, 1960. His service continued in the Navy Reserve from April 27, 1960 through Feb 23, 1961.
Clarence was joined in marriage to Deanna Marie Doren on June 26, 1957 in Norfolk, VA. To that union they added three daughters. Clarence and Deanna lived in Sioux City, Iowa where he drove trucks until 1966. In 1966 Clarence and Deanna joined his Aunt Juanita in running B & L Bookbinding where Clarence sold and Deanna sewed binding on books. After his Aunt Juanita retired he returned to trucking, working for Roadway and FedEx. He was transferred to Roadway in Des Moines, purchased a home in Urbandale, Iowa and retired in 2008. Upon moving to Urbandale, Clarence met a group of men who met daily to drink coffee and solve all the world's problems. He loved that group of friends.
Clarence loved NASCAR. This probably started when he raced figure 8 races in his early married years in Sioux City and continued by taking his girls to the local race tracks in the Quad Cities Area to watch the stock car races. He and Deanna enjoyed going to races in Knoxville, IA, and an occasional trip to Daytona, Talladega and Indianapolis.
Clarence loved camping and fishing and passed that along to his girls and grandkids. Many family trips included bullhead fishing, motorhome trips to Arizona to visit Deanna's parents, campfires, boating, waterskiing and sandbars. They are the best memories. In the last few years, you could find Clarence working a puzzle, reading the EPOCH times or watching FOX NEWS. He was a very informed citizen who loved his county.
Clarence was devoted to his family, his country and his pets. He loved woodworking creating many family heirlooms that are precious items in many homes still today. You never had to wonder what he thought because he would tell you in a heartbeat. He proudly flies the American Flag and donated to many veteran organizations. Clarence taught in his home church when he was first married and led the youth at the First Congregational Church in Moline, Il but was not a man that wore his faith on his sleeve.
Clarence is survived by his wife of 67 years Deanna, daughters Kim (Mark) Gause of Alhambra, Il, Judy (Doug) Reed of Des Moines, Cheri (Gary) Voss of Ponca, NE. 10 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren. His brother Sam of Aurora, CO. Brother-in-law Gaylord (Snookie) Doren of Walnut Creek, CA, sister-in-law Barb Doren of Sioux City, IA and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, infant brother James, Father and Mother-in-Law, "Steve" and Evaon Doren, three brother-in-laws, Richard "Dick" (Pat) Doren, Clyde "Ginger" Doren and Craig Doren.
Clarence is asking that any memorials be directed to Bethany Church in Des Moines, IA.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.
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