Clarence Herman Whisler, Jr., 95, of Missouri Veterans’ Home, Mt. Vernon, Mo., departed this life to enter the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior on Feb. 4, 2020, after a brief illness.
Clarence was born on Oct. 5, 1924, in Belzoni, Miss., to Clarence H. Whisler, Sr. and Sadye (Young) Whisler. He graduated from Silver City High School in 1942 and then enlisted in the U.S Army where he served in the 94th Infantry from 1943 until 1945 and achieved the rank of corporal. He was captured in combat and was a prisoner of war before being liberated two months later. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Award, and the World War II Victory Medal. His war experience is described in his own words at https://freedomendeavor.org/?s=Whisler+.
The GI Bill afforded him the opportunity in 1946 to attend Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO where he met Mynatte Kennedy. They were married on Aug. 14, 1948. Upon completing their associate degrees, they both went on to complete their undergraduate degrees at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK in 1949. Clarence subsequently earned his master’s degree in administration at Oklahoma University, Norman, Okla.
His professional career was dedicated to secondary education, serving as high school English teacher and/or principal in Liberal, Shelbina, and Carthage, Mo., for a combined 34 years. He and Mynatte were faithful members of First Baptist Church in each of those locations, where he served as deacon while Mynatte served as pianist and Sunday school teacher. He was active in mission trips to Mexico and was a recipient of the Life Service Award at Southwest Baptist University, his alma mater, the highest award given to any graduate. His hobbies included constructing and flying remote-controlled model aircraft.
Clarence was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mynatte Whisler, a brother Roy Whisler, and a half-brother Jack Carson. He is survived by a son Stephen Whisler (Barbara), a daughter Mary Layman (Russell), a half-sister Ann Overby, grandchildren Mark Whisler, Suzanne Norman, Amanda Peck, and Emily Leu, and eight great-grandchildren.
His memorial service will be held on Feb. 8, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Knell Mortuary, Carthage, Mo., with visitation at 10 a.m. prior to the service. A private inurnment service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whisler Family Scholarship, Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, Mo.
Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
