Clarence Buel Obituary

Clarence A. Buel II, 78, Washington, MO, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024.

Clarence was born Feb. 5, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Clarence A. Buel and his wife, Margaret (Hemann). He grew up in St. Clair and was a graduate of St. Francis Borgia High School in Washington. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and received an honorable discharge after four years of service. He later attended and graduated from Missouri State University with a bachelor's degree and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a master's degree. His career was spent as a Natural Resource Conservationist for the federal government.

Clarence was united in marriage to Gayle (Rathgeber) on June 27, 1980, in Dent County, MO, and the couple was blessed with five children. He was a member of the St. Clair American Legion Post #347 and Immaculate Conception Church in Union. He loved being in nature, especially bird-watching and traveling. Clarence cherished the time spent with Gayle, his children, and grandchildren, and he will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Margaret Buel; two brothers: Charles Butler and Fred Butler; and one sister, Claire Ann Buel.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Gayle Buel, of Washington; his five children: Jill (Sean) Thomson, of Oklahoma, Shelli (Christopher) O'Neal, of Illinois, Jana (Jim) Darling, of Texas, Tony (Melissa) Buel, of Union, and Thomas (Lauren) Buel, of Washington; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three siblings: Shirley Quinn, of Idaho, Janet Brower, of St. Louis, and Dwight Buel, of Colorado; and many other relatives and friends.

A private family burial will be held at Midlawn Memorial Gardens, Union.

Memorials in honor of Clarence Buel can be made to the church of donor's choice for Masses.

Arrangements were in care of Midlawn Funeral Home, Union.