Clarence Connell

RICHLAND HILLS -- Clarence W. Connell, 77, a retired U.S. Marine and U.S. Postal Service employee, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at his home after a brief but valiant battle with complications from a stroke.  Graveside service: 1 p.m. Monday in D-FW National Cemetery, Dallas. Visitation: (viewing) 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Lucas Funeral Home in Hurst.  Born Nov. 26, 1929, in Healdton, Okla., Clarence spent many of his childhood years in the Whitney-Hillsboro area as well as Denison. Clarence enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1947 and served in the Navy until 1950. After a brief separation from military service, Clarence joined the United States Marine Corps. During his 17 years with the Marine Corps, he was a "heavy junk" engineer, a drill instructor and, finally, a recruiter. Clarence retired in May 1968 and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars.  Clarence was a member of the VFW, American Legion and Marine Corps League. Of greater importance, Clarence was a loving, devoted and...