Clarence "Ch"

Clarence H. Vogel died peacefully on May 20, 2012 after two months of sharing fond memories and eventual gentle goodbyes with Audrey, his beloved wife and best friend of 65 years. They were introduced by a mutual friend at the end of the bus line at Hampton and Gravois in the fall of 1945 and married a year later. While pancreatic cancer deprived him of the opportunity to slide into the grave sideways, his body was thoroughly used up, he had no regrets, and he certainly enjoyed the ride that was his life of 89 years. During his life Clarence wore many hats - that of husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend. Family and friends were familiar with the stories he would share, and he always had one, about growing up in St. Louis, his time in the army during WW II, or his 32-year career with Laclede Steel Company. A proud graduate of Cleveland High School and Washington University, Clarence was active in his church, bled Cardinals red, was always lucky at cards, had a St. Andrew's putter in his bag, and White Castle hamburgers were a lifelong favorite. His retirement years were spent traveling the world with Audrey and volunteering for various non-profits and institutions - his favorite being the 16 years he spent working for the National Park Service until 2010 when he could no longer climb the 29 stairs to the second floor Library in the Old Courthouse. Clarence's dedication to giving back to his community and a daily exercise routine were just two of the many characteristics that made him a great role model. He was an accomplished musician who loved the big band sound, jazz, Dixieland, and the Great American Songbook. Before leaving for the DeGreeff Hospice House he serenaded Audrey by playing ten of their favorite songs on the organ. The sight of him standing on a piano bench playing the accordion while everyone sang along on a night almost 46 years ago remains a treasured memory for his extended family. While his immediate family was not large, his love for them and theirs for him certainly was. Clarence will be missed by Audrey; daughters Joan Sullens of Maple Grove, MN and Joyceanne Fick of Kuna, ID; sons-in-law Greg Sullens and Bob Fick; grandson Scott Sullens and wife Vanessa of High Point, NC; granddaughter Stacey Dragoo and husband John of Muncie, IN; and great-granddaughters Grace and Molly Sullens and Maggie, Josie, and Ruth Dragoo. The family wishes to thank Rev. Dr. David Mehl, Rev. Carol Keller, Dr. Susan Wilson Yang, Dr. Charles F. Carey, Tracey Lee, Ed Baum, St. Anthony's Hospice/DeGreeff Hospice House and the residents and staff of Friendship Village Sunset Hills. Each and every one of you cared for and made Clarence's life not just better, but brighter. Services: Visitation on Thursday, May 24, 4-9 PM at JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS (South County), 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis. Funeral Service at 10 AM Friday, May 25 at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Rd., St. Louis, MO 63126. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorials to St. Lucas UCC or the charity of your choice will be appreciated. "Z" Thursday, May 24
4:00 PM to 9:00 PM

JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS
4830 Lemay Ferry Road
Saint Louis, MO 63129
(314) 894-8444
Friday, May 25
10:00 AM to 10:45 AM

St. Lucas United Church of Christ
11735 Denny Rd.
Saint Louis, MO 63126
(314) 843-2100
Friday, May 25
12:00 PM to 1:45 PM

St. Lucas United Church of Christ
11735 Denny Rd.
Saint Louis, MO 63126
(314) 843-2100
Friday, May 25
1:55 PM to 2:30 PM

St. Lucas United Church of Christ
11735 Denny Rd.
Saint Louis, MO 63126
(314) 843-2100
Friday, May 25
2:30 PM to 2:50 PM

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
2900 Sheridan
Saint Louis, MO 63125
845-8319