Clarence Richard Compton, of Portland, Oregon passed away in the hospital on June 28, 2015 at the age of 83. He was born on August 7, 1931 in Antelope, Oregon on the family farm. As a youngster, he could often be found on the farm, riding on the back of one of the family milk goats. As a teenager, he moved to Portland, Oregon where he attended Irvington Grade School and Benson Polytechnic High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Army. In 1951 while serving in Korea, he was wounded, thus leading to him being awarded the Purple Heart from the United States Government. It was also in Korea, where he accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized in a cold winter creek.
In 1954, he married Delora Irene Darling. This past October he and Delora celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together they had four children; Donna, Donald, Gilbert, and Harold.
Early in his adult life he worked with his dad cutting trees for Compton’s Tree Service. Later he worked for PECO manufacturing Company, advancing to the position of Senior Plastic Journeyman prior to retirement in 1994.
Hobbies and activities enjoyed by Clarence were rock hounding, fishing, hunting, scouting, going garage selling, playing cards, helping out his neighbors, and volunteering at the VA Hospital.
As far as volunteering goes, Clarence volunteered for over 30 years at the Portland VA Hospital as a VAVS representative for the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
In his lifetime, he was an active member at one time, in all of the following Organizations. They were, Evangel Baptist Church, Portland, Oregon; the Masons Waverly Lodge #174; Scottish Rite of Portland; Eastern Star – Valiant/Sellwood #92; Military Order of The Purple Heart #72; Portland Veterans Hospital Volunteer; VAVS Representative for Military Order of The Purple Heart; Disabled American Veterans #1; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1442; Non Commissioned Veterans # 1315; AMVETS; Odd Fellows – Villa Lodge #124; Shamrock Rebekah Lodge #113; Pleasant Valley Grange #348; Oregon Agate and Mineral Society; Angler and Hunters Association; Korean War Veterans Association; and the 24th Infantry Division (Korea).
Clarence was the State Commander for the Department of Oregon, Military Order of the Purple Heart in 1976 through 1978, and again in 1986 - 1987. Altogether he served three terms.
In recent years, Clarence and Delora enjoyed taking multiple trips around the world which included stops in Europe, Asia, South and Central America, and even Alaska.
In his final years, he enjoyed spending time with his 9 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.
When not playing with the grandkids, you could find him either working in the garage, playing cards, going to garage sales, or making bolo ties for his friends and family.
Clarence is survived by his wife Delora, his daughter Donna, his two sons Donald and Harold, his sister Silvesta, plus 9 grandchildren, 18 ½ great grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.
Those who preceded him in death were his parents Guy and Inez Compton, his one brother Harold, his three sisters Dorothy, Iris, Bertha, and his son Gilbert.
As you can see, Clarence had a long and fulfilling 83 years with us. It is my hope that all of us could be so blessed.
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