Clarence William Major, son of Edison M., Sr. and Lillie May (McMurtry) Major, was born on September 22, 1929 at Tabor, Iowa. He passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Elm Heights Care Center in Shenandoah, Iowa surrounded by his family following a brief illness from cancer.
His family moved to the Westboro, Missouri area where he attended High Bank country school and later worked in farming. On October 1, 1951, Clarence joined the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict where he served in Austria. He was honorably discharged in September of 1953. He returned to farming in Iowa and South Dakota.
In 1954, Clarence made the choice to enlist in the U. S. Air Force. He made a career of the military serving 20 years with the Air Force. During his career Clarence was stationed in the United States, Japan and Thailand where he served as an aircraft mechanic and drill instructor. He retired with the rank of Tech Sergeant.
On May 14, 1963 Clarence was united in marriage to Teruko Iwasa in Tokyo, Japan. To this union two sons were born, Thomas and Robert.
Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1974, the family moved to Shenandoah where Clarence worked at the Eaton Corporation Transmission Plant. He retired from Eaton's in 1987. In retirement, Clarence enjoyed reading, fishing, bowling and being around his family.
Preceding Clarence in death were his parents; four brothers, James, Clem, Edison, Jr. and Vernon Major.
Survivors include his beloved wife Teruko "Terri" Major of Shenandoah; his two sons, Thomas M. Major and wife Vicki of Shenandoah and Robert G. Major and wife Sally of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Bradley, Natalie, Allison and Kenton; brother Donald Major and wife Florence of Burlington Junction, MO; two sister-in-laws, Geraldine Major of Creston, IA and Dixie Major of Essex, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.