Clarence Wesley Begole, 94, born February 12, 1926, on the family farm in Caseyville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon, IL.

Clarence graduated from O'Fallon Township High School in 1944. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in M Company, 358 ^th Regiment, 90 ^th Infantry Division, U.S. Army. He also served in the post-WWII Military Government, 3 ^rd Regiment in Germany. Clarence returned to the family farm and continued farming until 2002. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Collinsville, taught Sunday School, was a deacon and served on many boards and committees. He was also a life-long member of the St. Clair County Historical Society and the O'Fallon Historical Society. Clarence was a direct descendant of the Lemen and Ogle families who were early settlers of this area. He was a member of St. Clair County Farm Bureau and O'Fallon American Legion Post No. 137. He also served as treasurer of the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery Committee for over 30 years.

On March 14, 1953, Clarence married the love of his life, Irene Lucille DeMatties. They were blessed with two children and 59 years together before she preceded him in death on April 10, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Elbert L. and Irene E. (nee Bug) Begole, and his brother, William E. Begole.

Clarence is survived by a daughter, Linda (Kenneth) Murray, of Caseyville, IL, a son, Alan Begole, of Lebanon, IL, grandchildren, Mark (Jill) Murray, of O'Fallon, IL, Ryan (Michelle) Murray, of Caseyville, IL, and Megan (Greg) Klote, of Brentwood, MO, and five great-grandchildren, Jack & Samuel Murray, Matthew Clarence Murray, and Mary & Jordan Klote.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Collinsville, IL, and/or Bethel Cemetery, c/o Bethel Baptist Church, 10 Bethel Meadows Rd., Caseyville, IL.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 16, 2020, from 8:30 to 11 am at First Baptist Church, 723 St. Louis Rd., Collinsville, IL 62234. The Funeral Service will follow the visitation. Burial will take place at Bethel Cemetery immediately following funeral services.