Clarence Arthur Abshier
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Clarence Arthur Abshier, 99, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur. He was born January 26, 1922, in Devers, Texas to Ella Clayton Abshier and Emelius Fletcher Abshier. Clarence built his home in Port Acres in 1954 where he lived for sixty-seven years until his death.
Clarence was a 1941 graduate of Devers High School in Devers. He headed to San Antonio after graduation where he became a boiler maker apprentice with the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Since the war was gearing up, he decided to join the Merchant Marines and traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida to gain experience as a wiper; fireman; oiler; and a pump man. When he returned home, he began working for Sabine Towing Company, Port Arthur. Afterward, Clarence went to Officer's Training School at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut near Fort Trumbull and then to the United States Merchant Marines Academy in Kingspoint, New York. Clarence received his third Assistant Engineer License and then headed to California where he shipped out for Gulf Oil. His next venture landed him a twenty-one-year job as a fireman and control room operator with Texas Gulf Sulphur in Beaumont and Fannett. In 1973, he went back to shipping out with Mobil Oil as an engineering officer and that was where he retired from in 1986 after thirteen-years of service.
The family never anticipated that with his son, John, graduating from Texas A&M that they would enjoy the next fifty-two years spending time with him watching Texas A&M sports on television.
Clarence's daughter, Ruth, is a member of the Mid-Jefferson County Aggie Mom's Club. He became the first and only male member of the club during the time Ruth was Membership Chairman. In 2020, he had been a member for twenty-one years. Clarence was also a member of the Wilderness Hunting Club near his hometown of Devers for over fifty-years.
During Clarence's ninety-nine years, eighteen presidents have been elected. His wife, Dorothy, passed just forty-four days short of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. After his wife passed, he bailed hay for twenty years until he turned ninety-four years old.
Clarence enjoyed raising cattle, bailing hay, and gardening. He also loved playing cards and watching Texas A&M sports on television with his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy Zellers Abshier; brother, George Vernon Abshier; and son-in-law, Ken Gilliam.
Survivors include his children, John Abshier of Leavenworth, Kansas and Ruth Gilliam, of Port Neches, Texas; grandchildren, John William Abshier and wife, Serena, of Austin, Texas; Kevin Gilliam and wife, Lisa, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; Sandi Abshier, of Columbia, Missouri; and Kim Covington and husband, Jason, of Houston, Texas; great-grandchildren, Arthur Abshier, of Austin, Texas; Kaylee, Addyson, and Colton Gilliam, of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; and Cendrine, Challen, Gian, Ceres, and Brogan Vazquez, of Columbia, Missouri; nieces, Karen Steffe and husband, Dennis, of Bernalillo, New Mexico; Pam George and husband, Doug, of Mosca, Colorado; Joan Piermarini, of Fort Washington, Maryland; Linda Petro and husband, Bill, of Havertown, Pennsylvania; and Florence Stinger and husband, Phillip, of Malvern, Pennsylvania; and extended family and loved ones.
The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the following:
Lanny Choate, prior to his passing, for helping Clarence with his hay cutting and Lanny's wife, Rita, for always cooking delicious meals for Clarence.
The wonderful neighbors and other Port Acres residents that kept an eye on Clarence and helped him in so many ways such as helping him dig up his potatoes and put hay in his barns during the hottest time of the day during the summer.
To the many strangers and Mark Redwine, Ruth's brother-in-law, who helped him get his truck and farm equipment out of many ditches and helped to control traffic on Highway 365 and Jade Avenue.
To all of the friendly faces that Clarence waved back to while he rested in his lawn chair after he worked in his garden or finished working on his hay equipment.
Lastly, thanks to all of Ruth's husband's family for their love and support to her father.
Clarence also had a strong bond with his cousin, Gary Abshier and his wife, Judy, of Baytown, Texas.
Clarence will be remembered for being a very supportive and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be missed by all those that knew him.
A gathering for Mr. Abshier's family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 6th, 2021 at Broussard's, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m., at Abshier Cemetery, County Road 112, Hankamer, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, Texas 77840. Please designate donation "In Memory of Clarence A. Abshier" in the memo of the check.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Corona Virus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov
Complete and updated information may be found by at: broussards1889.com.