Clarence Edward Magouirk

Clarence MagouirkSAN BENITO, TX—Clarence Edward Magouirk, passed away from this life into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 23, 2011 at the age of 84.

Clarence was born April 26, 1927 in Mill Creek, OK to Horace M. and Hattie Haskins Magouirk.

As a baby his family moved to Hale Center, TX where spent his early childhood years. Clarence graduated from Post High School. Shortly after, his family moved to the Valley where his father farmed north of La Feria. At the age of 17, Clarence entered the U.S. Army. It was during World War II and he was assigned as a special agent in the North Pacific. After his tour of duty and the end of the war, Clarence returned to La Feria and on December 8, 1946 he married his longtime sweetheart, Norma Jean Kerr.

Clarence attended welding school, completing the course in less that a year and became a Master Welder. He began his career at Cameron County Irrigation District #2, beginning as a welder, advancing to maintenance superintendent and then to general manager, a career spanning 41 ½ years. At the time of his retirement in 1989 he was general manager of Cameron County Irrigation District #2 and Cameron County Drainage District #3. During this time he served as th president of the Rio Grande Water District Manager’s Association for several terms and was on numerous State and Local committees. He was well known for this expertise concerning water quality, conservation, allotments, etc. and served on several arbitration and policy making committees, including the Lower Rio Grande Water Committee after his retirement.

Clarence was a faithful member and worker with the Gideon’s International. He and Norma spent many hours ministering to the detainees at the Darrell B. Hester Detention Center and giving New Testaments to the detainees. He was also an active member and deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in Harlingen for many years.

Clarence enjoyed a good game of 42, fishing in the bay waters, weekend hunting trips to the deer lease, sharing fresh vegetables from his garden with friends and loved ones, traveling with the Good Sam’s Group and any and all activities with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Clarence was preceded in death by his son, Clarence Magouirk, Jr. (Skipper); seven brothers, Mack, J.B., J.R., Cecil, Raymond, James and Alfred Magouirk; four sisters, Pauline Middleton, Mildred Thompson, Beatrice Lulow and Dorothy Manuel; parents, Horace and Hattie H. Magouirk.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 65 years, Norma Jean; daughter, Peggy (Charlie) Brown; son, Gene (Pam); grandchildren, Shannon (Teri) Parrack, Melissa Harris, Teresa (Mike) Zardiackas, Rebecca (Randell) Marx, Tracy (Vince) Goddard, Travis (fiancée Kristy) and Tyler Magouirk; nine great grandchildren; brother, Allen Magouirk, sister-in-law, Mavis Magouirk; and many nieces and nephews that he claimed as his own.

Honored to be pallbearers are Travis Magouirk, Tyler Magouirk, Mark Magouirk, David Magouirk, Andy Potter and George McGhee.

Honorary Pallbearers with be Members of Calvary Baptist Men’s Bible Class and Deacon’s of Calvary Baptist Church.

Visitation hours will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with the family present from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.

A celebration of Clarence’s life will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Harlingen at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2011, with Rev. Brandon Helm and Rev. John Swedlund officiating. Burial will follow at the La Feria Cemetery in La Feria, TX.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, 710 Ed Carey Dr., Harlingen, TX; (956) 423-3636.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2011/10/25/clarence-edward-magouirk/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.