Clarence VOGEL

1928 - 2017

VOGEL, Clarence
On February 21, 2017, the Lord swept Clarence "PawPaw" Vogel, the dearly loved father of our family, to Heaven, and placed him back into Mom's loving arms.
Born Clarence Francis Vogel on June 7, 1928 to Alouis F. Vogel and Josephine Theresa Fey Vogel at home in Bexar County, Texas.
Clarence is survived by his children, Carol and Marty Warren, Jerrie Kaye Culpepper, Bobby and Debbie Vogel, Connie and Lester Lehman, David Vogel, and Cindy and Dewayne Goll. Grandchildren, Sharon & Scott Meiers, Traci & Colby West, Bubba Warren, Shanan Culpepper, Sandy & Joe Roy Niemann, Dusty & Jennifer Culpepper, Tiffany Vogel, James Clarence (J.C.)Vogel, Colton Vogel, Lindsay & Drew Williams, Shawn Paul & Crystal Lehman, Leslie & Thomas Chouinard, Kaitlyn Vogel, Kendall Vogel, Lauren & Cody Bridges, Shelby Goll and Garrett Douthit. Great-Grand-Children, Lawson, Ethan & Jolee Meiers, Wyatt Siler, Jordan West, Amanda Castillo, Lauren Culpepper, Wyatt Huebner, Callynn, Cheyenne, & Charlie Niemann, Emma, Gunner & Waylon Culpepper, Rowdy, Roary, and Ryden Chouinard, Logan & Harper Williams, Tyce and Jett Bridges. Two Great-Great-Grand Children, Julia and Greyson.
Clarence is also survived by his Brother, Jerry and Margie Vogel of San Antonio, Texas, Sisters, Anna Marie Kocurek of Robstown, Texas, Virginia Mae Vogel of San Antonio, Texas, and Alice Marie Smith of St. Hedwig, Texas.
He's preceded in death by his wife, Betty Massey Vogel, parents, Alouis F. and Josephine Theresa Fey Vogel, Brother, A. H. "Sonny" Vogel, Son-in-Law, Robert A. Culpepper, Brother-in-Law, Joe Kocurek, Sister-In-Law, Sammie Robertson, Brother-In-Law, Robert Robertson, Brother-In-Law, Ed Smith, and Great-Grandson, Ruger Culpepper.
His is a household name in Manchaca, South Austin and San Antonio, Texas. He never quite accepted his own greatness, all he had done, all the lives he profoundly changed. We wish he could be here today if only to see the incredible good he did in the world and to hear the words given to all of us these past few days. To say the least, we are so very proud of our strong loving father; his loyalty, generosity, and humbleness. Dad had his faith, he knew God carried him every day. He was our pillar of strength, support and discipline. His work was endless and, often times, thankless. Dad was the most generous, compassionate, loving soul. Dad was an avid Dallas Cowboys Fan and we are guessing that is why his favorite color has always been blue!
Clarence was raised in the outskirts of San Antonio. He attended Central Catholic High School. He tried twice to join the military yet his hip kept him away. That did not stop him from respectfully supporting his brothers and all of the military throughout his life. Dad decided he would contribute to others here at home and became involved in so many organizations, clubs, and associations that we lost count.
Following his Dad's death in 1949, Clarence took over his father's place, 4-Points, off 90 East in San Antonio. There is where Dad met and fell in love with our Mom. Clarence married the love of his life, Betty in 1952. They owned and operated Diamond Point in Southwest San Antonio. Along with Ken & Kathy Mills and Carl & Frances Coleman, they owned and operated the Corral in South San Antonio, Texas.
Mom and Dad created so many lifelong and dear friends which much of them are fondly called "The Diamond Point Gang". Clarence went into the Life Insurance Business with Combined American as Agency Director which eventually moved them to the town of Manchaca and retiring as Agency Director/Vice-President of American Guaranty Life Insurance Company in 1980.
Dad never quite accepted his own greatness, all he had done, all the lives he profoundly changed. We wish he could be here today if only to see the incredible good he did in the world. He was an incredible humanitarian-brilliant with his people skills and diligent in his work ethic. He taught us that there is more to life than what you do-an occupation can be a way into other people's lives, and when we think of all the lives he has touched through work, it is simply staggering. He worked every day of his life to provide for us. We learned at an early age how proud we were of him. He would have G Harvey paintings on his wall in his office, and he replaced those paintings with a five & dime painting the nuns helped us purchase after school. He always has and always will be a hard man to follow. He was always good at what he chose to do. He considered everything good in his life a gift from God, and he gave richly out of what God had given. He was a man of integrity in all he did and generous with all he had. I can only hope to be the same.
We had the privilege of watching him interact with his friends, and we learned what it meant to be faithful, to be purposeful, to be loyal. He laughed with his friends, and he cried with his friends, and he was always there for them, no matter when they needed him or what they needed him for. One thing that has stood out to me in the days since he has passed is how many different people consider my dad to be one of the most important people in their lives. He lived in such a way - and was a friend to such an extreme - that he changed lives.
Clarence and Betty raised their six children in Manchaca, Texas and became active in the communities of Manchaca, South Austin, Buda, & Kyle. He became a force to reckon with when he decided the community needed something.
In 1968, Dad had a garage fire in our home in Manchaca. With no fire department in the area, Dad, Mr. Turner & Commissioner Johnny Voudouris rallied their neighbors to form the now Manchaca Fire Department. Dad was President of the Manchaca Volunteer Fire Department from its formation until stepping down in 2002. During his 41 years with MVFD, he enlisted support from Congressman JJ Jake Pickle, the community members, organizations, & political entities to create a Community Center which is the main focal point in Manchaca. Dad was also Vice-President, Travis County ESD #5
In 1981, Clarence and Betty started the Manchaca Firehall Kitchen and Community Center and Food Catering Specialist in Downtown Manchaca. They catered, fed and were strong active leaders in the Manchaca and Buda communities. Their retirement came after 41 wonderful years at the Firehall leaving behind countless friends and wonderful memories.
Among his many recognitions are: Texas Legislature- Resolution of Service - HB 455 in 1999, Commissioned as an Admiral of the Texas Navy by Gov. Rick Perry, Commissioner Gerald Daugherty and Travis County dedicated the Clarence Vogel Community Center in his honor in 2003, Herman Sons Humanitarian Award, Outstanding Adult Leader and Sponsor of Open County 4-H Club, Sponsor/Supporter of Travis County Youth Stock Show, Board Member/Member of the Roger's Ranch Bowling Association, Board Member/Member of St, Ignatius School Board, Sponsor/Supporter of the Crockett High FFA, Hays FFA, and Akins FFA, Optimist Outstanding Youth Service, support of the Blue Grass Association around Texas, Lone Star Girl Scout Council Outstanding Friend, Congressional Record - Congressman Jake Pickle, Local school and Club Antidrug Campaigns, Crockett FFA - Distinguished Service Award, Optimist International recognition for devoted & unselfish service to the Community, 20 Year Sponsorship to AFTR for Star of Texas Stock Show, Community Servant Article, Modern Woodmen of America, Dedication for Community Service by Commissioners, , Bristol Appreciation of Service to Travis County, Top 5 Catfish Caterers by Texas Highways Magazine, Travis Co. Victim Svcs. Appreciation, VFW Appreciation for Contributions, Co-Founder of South Austin Optimist and Manchaca Optimist, Sponsor of Crockett HS Baseball - 10 Years, Ben Hur Temple - Shrine Circus - Mom & Dad Club Honorary Member, Honorary FFA Degree - Bowie FFA, Optimist of the Year- Optimist International, several years, Travis Co. SO - Outstanding Service, Recognition from Governor George W. Bush, Governor Rick Perry, Governor Ann Richards, Texas State Representatives Libby Linebarger, Rick Green Terry Keel, Todd Baxter, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congressman Jake Pickle, Honorary HOG Member of So. Austin H.O.G., Manchaca Elementary Apprec., Sheriff Margo Frasier, Travis County Sheriff's Dept - Many years of support to Travis County and State of Texas. We could go on and hope everyone understands there was just no limits for our Dad.
Honored as his pallbearer's are his grandsons, Bubba Warren, Dusty Culpepper, J. C. Vogel, Colton Vogel, Drew Williams, Cody Bridges, Joe N, Scott Meirers, Colby West, Garrett Douthit, and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Vogel.
He was proud of being a part of such an amazing service community. His love for the Manchaca Fire Department, Manchaca EMS; amazing Friends and Family in Law Enforcement and our Military. He held them high in respect and was so proud and appreciative for their service and dedication. We are honored to have each as Honorary Pallbearer's.
We would like to thank Al and his extraordinary team at Legacy Hospice, Melissa and her team at Altus Hospice and Scott Bradfield and his Onion Creek Senior Care Team for their loving support and amazing care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Texas Ranger Association Foundation, 104 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, Texas 78706 (http://thetexasrangers.org/contribution-form.html) or to the Manchaca VFW Post 3377, 12921 Lowden Ln, Manchaca, TX 78652.
Public Visitation & Rosary: FEB 26. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM, Harrell Funeral Home of Kyle, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX, US, 78640. Mass: FEB 27 01:00 PM, Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1100 Main Street, Buda, TX, US, 78610. Pot Luck Reception to follow at: Manchaca VFW, 12921 Lowden Lane, Manchaca, TX 78652