Clarence Neal Smalley

1933 - 2023

SMALLEY, CLARENCE NEAL, age 89, left us for a better place on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at Stone Lodge Memory Care in Shepherd. A Memorial Service for Clarence will take place on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Clark Family Funeral Chapel with Pastor Lindow Koop officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday beginning at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will immediately follow in the Reflections Reception Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Stone Lodge Memory Care. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel. Clarence began life on December 3, 1933, on his family farm with parents Glenn and Bertha (Thorp) Smalley and siblings, Glenn "Milan", Dale, Donna Mae Jaksa, Duane, AnnaBelle Recker, Earl, John, Harold, and Mary Alice Todd. His lifelong career and talent was building beautiful homes. He had an amazing mind for both practical and intricate details, which made him sought after as a local home builder. All who knew him remember his smile, loyalty, and sense of humor. He always went the extra mile to produce perfection or help friends and family. Clarence and his loving wife of 39 years, Theo Mae (Vaughn) Smalley, took great pleasure in travel, dancing, spending time outdoors, and bringing their families together. He built, with the help of Theo, a unique home in Mt. Pleasant, then a cabin of their dreams in the U.P. Many of the furnishings were lovingly crafted by him. Clarence is survived by his wife Theo; children, Rick (Rhonda) Smalley of Shepherd, Jan (Paul) Goosmann of Wyoming, MI, Andrea (Jim) Schmidt of Nora, IL, Lynn (Gary) Pohl of Lake Isabella, Bruce (Stacey) Starr of Mt. Pleasant, Dave Starr of Mt. Pleasant, Terry (Lynette) Starr of Elk Rapids; 23 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters AnnaBelle (Ray) Recker, Mary Alice (Dale) Todd; and many nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; sister Donna Jaksa; and brothers, John, Harold, Earl, Dale, Glenn "Milan", and Duane. You may view Clarence's obituary online or send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.