Clarence Scroggins

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Clarence Scroggins Clarence \"J.R.\" Scroggins passed from this life on Sunday, July 13, surrounded by his family, at the age of 84. He fought a valiant battle until the end, a trait he\'s exhibited throughout his remarkable life. Born October 13, 1923, in Phelps, Missouri, to Vernon Mae Jones and Clarence Perry Scroggins, he grew up in rural Missouri during the depression. He and his brother Lloyd joined the Army to fight in World War II. J.R. served with the 314th Infantry Regimen as the gunner of an 81 millimeter mortar. He served with passion and valor, landing in Normandy, France and eventually marching to Berlin, where he served through the war\'s end. Upon returning home to Missouri, he married Mary Lou Rathmann on January 18, 1947. From that union came three children: Linda, Bill and John. For a few years, the family lived in California. There J.R. worked for General Motors before moving back to Missouri where he started his own service station in Mount Vernon. He was well known for his ability to understand how things worked and always seemed to be fixing something for someone. J.R. continued to work as an auto painter and mechanic until he found a second career in insurance adjusting. His other passions, in addition to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, were baseball and golf. Not only did he enjoy watching baseball, but for couple of years served as an assistant coach for the Springfield Giants. As he neared retirement, nearly every weekend was spent chasing golf balls out of water hazards with his closest friends. Shortly after his retirement, he suffered a devastating illness, Gillian Barre, and was hospitalized for a year. He demonstrated a level of strength and resilience in the face of adversity that amazed even his healthcare providers. For the remainder of his life, that strength of character continued to shine. In spite of his challenges, he continued to be fiercely independent and was always helping others. In the past eight years, one of his greatest joys was attending dances with old and new friends at the Senior Centers in Nixa, Aurora and Mount Vernon. There he and his wife enjoyed many hours of music and friendship that brightened and supported them in good times, as well as bad. J.R. was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Perry and Vernon Mae, and his brother, Lloyd. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Springfield; a daughter, Linda Buff and husband Mike of Springfield; a son Bill and wife Tina, of Vacaville, California; a son, John, of Springfield; granddaughters Jennifer Hall and husband Wayne of Coleville, California, and Malinda Taylor and husband Bill of Springfield; grandson Bryan Buff and wife Emily of Springfield and granddaughter Brittany and grandson James of Vacaville, California. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Rebekah and T.J. of Springfield, and Cade and Brennen of Coleville, California; four nieces, a host of wonderful friends and neighbors, and his faithful dog Ninja. Memorial services are July 17, 2008, at 1 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12 p.m. Services will be held in Greenlawn Funeral Home North with interment to follow in the Missouri Veteran\'s Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, at J.R.\'s request, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association in care of the funeral home at 3506 North National in Springfield.

Courtesy of News-Leader.com