Clarence F. Maroon

Clarence F. Maroon, age 95 of Edwardsville, IL, died Sunday, June 18, 2017, at Eden Village in Glen Carbon, IL. He was born on Saturday, November 26, 1921, in Pocahontas, IL, the son of Thomas F. and Lettie M. (nee Harmon) Maroon. On December 5, 1945, he married Esther M. Maroon, nee Kimbro, she passed away August 5, 1983. On June 14, 1986, he married Lorraine E. Maroon, nee Engelke, who survives. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hamel, IL; VFW Post #1241, Staunton, IL. Clarence was born and raised in rural Pocahontas, IL. He served with the US Army Air Corps during World War II and was in the first wave of troops with the Big Red One (member of the First Division) on Omaha Beach on D-Day (June 6, 1944). He received a Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster for the D-Day invasion; he had also received a Purple Heart for the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. He also received a Bronze Arrowhead for the D-Day invasion. In addition to the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and a Combat Infantryman Badge; Clarence's service was recognized with a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Four Bronze Stars (Sicily, Normandy, Northern France and the Rhineland). His Four Overseas bars included two years of combat duty. After his marriage, he and his wife lived in New Douglas, Sorento and Staunton, IL. He and his second wife lived in Edwardsville for many years. Clarence was a truck driver for over 55 years. He semi-retired at age 65 in 1986 and completely retired at age 70. He enjoyed repairing things, wood working, bowling, dancing and playing cards "Pinochle". Survivors include: Wife - Lorraine E. Maroon, nee Engelke, Edwardsville, IL Daughter - Donna A. (Don) Ingram, Inola, OK Daughter - Jessie I. (Rick) Brown, FL Step Child - Cheryl L. (John) Merkel, Edwardsville, IL Step Child - Michael R. (Kathy) Sauerwein, Troy, IL Step Child - Sandra K. (Greg) Kershaw, Houston, TX Step Child - Patti J. (Joe) Makler, Edwardsville, IL Step Child - Tara L. (Mark) Januhowski, Houston, IL Grandchildren - Eighteen Great Grandchildren - Twenty Six Great Great Grandchildren - Two He was preceded in death by: Father - Thomas Franklin Maroon Mother - Lettie Mae Maroon, nee Harmon First Wife - Esther M. Maroon, nee Kimbro - Died 08/05/1983 Daughter - Ann M. Levine Son - Gareth C. Maroon Sister - Irene Rommerskirchen Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL. Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Hamel, IL, with Rev. William Gleason, Assistant Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Saint Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Hamel, IL, with Full Military Honors by the Staunton Area Veterans Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Clarence F. Maroon

November 26, 1921 - June 18, 2017