Clarence Edwin Murfin

Clarence Murfin, a longtime resident of Mill Valley, CA, went to heaven on November 25, 2018. He was born on March 27, 1922 in Hartshorn, MO, the son of Charles Edward and Margaret Murfin. Clarence grew up in a farming area and was taught at an early age the need and rewards of hard work. He loved to talk to people about his tough early days as a child. Clarence played basketball during his high school years, and because he was short, earned the name PeeWee.

Clarence was always proud of the fact not long after high school he joined the Navy. World War II was raging and he saw his share of action. Upon discharge, Clarence returned home and married his sweetheart, Eula Smith on October 19, 1945. The following year they began working their way across country and settled in California in 1947. The trip included Clarence working as a farm laborer, for the rail road, and any other paying job he could find.

Within a year or two Clarence began working as a carpenter. He had a great love and respect for wood and always thought it was beautiful. Clarence joined the Carpenter’s Union and enjoyed all the training offered to improve his trade. He became a skilled and respected carpenter and supervisor and worked on many, many projects in Marin County…he loved to point them out when driving by. Clarence loved the union and what it stood for, and worked as the Financial Secretary and the Business Representative for the Union while he was a carpenter and after he left active carpenter life. He believed in assisting young people and served on the Apprentice Board for over 50 years.

Clarence “retired” in 1989 but his working never stopped. He began making things out of wood, especially roll top wooden trunks. Eula made quilts and they went to craft fairs to sell their goods. When Clarence could no longer work with wood, he took up sewing and made many quilts. He continued sewing the rest of his life. Clarence was an active and devout lifelong member of the Church of Christ in Novato. He loved attending church and seeing other people.

Clarence is survived by his three daughters: Theda Stoops (Dwain) of Nixa, MO; Evelyn Genn (Joe) of Turlock, CA; Margaret Wilson (Steve) of Petaluma, CA; 13 grandchildren/step-grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren/step-grandchildren and 18 great, great grandchildren/step- grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 30th at 1:30 pm at the Church of Christ at 370 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the victims of the NorCal Fire.

Checks can be sent to: NVCF Camp Fire, 240 Main Street, Suite 260, Chico, CA 95928. Gift cards can be mailed to: Sierra North Valley Realtors: 1160 E 1st Avenue, Chico, CA 94926.

Link to make donations listed below.