Clarence Karcher

Clarence C. Cap Karcher, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Brenham, Texas, with Mildred, his wife of 59 years, by his side. Clarence was born May 26, 1922 in Eden, Texas, to the Reverend Ludwig and Gertrude Gohlke Karcher and was baptized June 11, 1922 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eden. Clarence was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Anderson, Texas, where he also graduated from high school. He attended John Tarleton Junior College and graduated from Texas A&M College now Texas A&M University in 1944, while receiving his master s degree in 1956 from Texas A&M College Station, as well. Prior to graduation, he was called into the military. He was a senior at A&M when his advance ROTC unit went en masse into the United States Army and World War II. Serving 50 months in the United States Army, Clarence saw action in the Philippines and was stationed almost a year with the American Division during the occupation of Japan, where he was a 1st Lieutenant, and up for the rank of captain. He led the 1st Waterborn Division entering Japan after Japan surrendered to the United States. Clarence married Mildred Fuesse on November 9, 1947 at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, Texas. They lived most of their married life in Smithville, Texas, then moving to Brenham 4 ½ years ago, where he was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. In Smithville, Cap was a Vocational Agriculture Teacher for 38 years. Clarence was very active in both his church and community. He served his church in all capacities. In the community, he was a member of the volunteer fire department for 25 years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Smithville Federal Savings and Loan Association for 23 years. He was a life member of the American Legion and the VFW. Clarence is survived by his wife, Mildred Feusse Karcher of Brenham, Texas; two daughters: Linda Nagy and her husband David of Brenham, Texas and Connie Newcomb and husband Ben of Mt. Vernon, Texas; four grandchildren: Michael Nagy of Austin, Texas and special friend Michele Mikeska of Austin, Texas, Heidi Parker and husband Jonathan of Austin, Texas, Kelly Newsome and husband Scott of Mt. Vernon, Texas, and Lindsey Hunnicutt and husband Brian of Mt. Vernon, Texas. Clarence has one great-granddaughter, Lauren Anne Newsome of Mt. Vernon, Texas. Clarence has one living sister, Virginia Karcher Becker of Lago Vista, Texas; one aunt, Cornelia Gohlke Schulz of San Angelo, Texas; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding Clarence in death were his parents, the Reverend Ludwig and Gertrude Karcher; and sister, Gevonne Karcher Knippa. Pallbearers will be Clarence s nephews: David Becker, Jon Becker, Tim Becker, Joe Becker, Gary Knippa, Bradley Knippa and Bob McCreery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6 o clock until 8 o clock at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham, Texas. Funeral services will be at Grace Lutheran Church, 1212 W. Jefferson, Brenham, Texas, on Tuesday at 2 o clock in the afternoon with Pastors Matthew Jacobs and William Holzer officiating. Burial will be at Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Brenham, Texas.