Clarence left us the evening of June 1, 2020, holding the hand of his forever love, Jean.
Clarence was born September 14, 1935 to Crawford and Marie Applegate, the fifth of seven children, just one month before the October 1935 Helena earthquake.
Never afraid of hard work, Clarence held down several jobs throughout his life, many times having more than one job at a time. He worked at Associated Foods where he and Jean met. She wasn’t fond of him at first, but his charming personality and witty sense of humor eventually won her over. They wed on October 29, 1959 in Rawlins, Wyoming and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. The addition of children, Rod and Sharon, completed their family.
After leaving Associated Foods, he went to work at the State Liquor Warehouse. After working 35 years, he retired as the Liquor Warehouse Bureau Chief in 1993.
He lived most of his life on the family ranch in the north valley. He spent many summer hours walking and irrigating the hayfields during the hottest part of the summer to assure a good crop. Rain showers never hit Clarence’s baled hay. Picking bales by headlights was not unheard of! His love for seeing things grow carried over into his volunteer work, which included many years as the Superintendent of Crops and Gardens at the Lewis and Clark County Fair and his personal garden at the ranch. The ranch also provided the ideal spot for hosting family gatherings, which included an abundance of food, laughter and love. Known as “Uncle Bugs” he will be remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews. He was a big man with a big smile and a wonderful sense of humor. Even in his last days he was joking with the St. Peter’s staff.
Clarence was proud to have been involved in the early establishment of the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department and served as a volunteer fireman with the Department for several years. However, his proudest achievement was his family, whom he adored. Our family was recently honored as the Montana Bowling Family of the Year, an honor he was quite proud of.
He is preceded in death by his parents Crawford and Marie, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Garnette and Ned Cleary, sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret and Mel King, Relpha and John Gilreath and Cora and Robert VanDyke, brother and sister-in-law Richard and Georgia Applegate, brother-in-law Jerry Groh, nephew Melvin King, Jr. and grandson, Aaron Eslick.
He is survived by his wife, Jean, children Rod Applegate and Sharon Eslick (Gordon), and sisters Nan Tillo (Joe) and Joan Sieler. He is also survived by grandchildren Katie Eslick (Rich Franco), Jordan Paull (Ry), and Amanda Eslick (Jason Smith), great grandchildren Payton Saccheri, Emerson Paull, Hannah Smith, Tanyan and Ari Eslick and soon to arrive Baby Girl Paull. He will also be missed by close family friend, KC Hill, sister-in-law, Sharon Groh, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ed and Jan Cleary, several cousins and his many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Beehive Homes who provided him love and care over the past year and to the staff at St. Peter’s Health who provided his last days of care.
A public viewing will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 9th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Due to current gathering restrictions, the family will hold private graveside services.
Service Schedule
Viewing
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Tuesday June 9, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Tuesday June 9, 2020
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
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Vanessa Tolson says
Thoughts & prayers to you all, so sorry to hear of Clarence passing. He was a great man.
Shirley Bentzen Reese says
Jean, Rod, Sharon and families:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Clarence was a wonderful man and our world was a better place with him in it. Hold tight to your happy memories.
Dudley Williams says
Condolences to the Applegate family. Clarence was a good and kind man. Sorry for your loss.
Dudley Williams says
Sharon, sorry to hear of Clarence passing. He was a kind &good man. My sincerest condolences to you & your family.
Roy Moreno says
Jean,sharon,Rod sorry to hear about Clarences passing my condolences
Al Carrette says
Jean, Sharon, Rod so sorry for your loss, Clarence was a very nice man. He always found time to visit with us when he was at the lanes or on the golf course.
Marcella Walter says
Jean, Rod, Sharon, and all your families, I am holding you very close in my thoughts and heart. What a privilege to know Clarence–to enjoy his teasing and perspective. Take such good care.
K.C. Hill says
Jean, Rod, Sharon: Clarence had a ‘way’ such that people wanted to spend time with him. I’m so thankful his heart was big enough to make me feel like family.
Mary Kinsey says
Dear Jean, Rod, and Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many memories entwined with your family. I have been forever warmed by a couple. I was nine, Paula fourteen Clarence was throwing bales into our loft , we were dragging and stacking, Dad crabbed at us for not keeping up. Clarence stood upright in the bed of the pickup, wiped the sweat from his brow and sorta barked at Dad, these bales are 110 pounds, they weight more then those girls. My Dad, with a sheepish grin apologized and continued to the field. From that day forward I knew Clarence was our advocate and defender even if I was a bit intimidated by him. Communication with those I love has not been my strong suit I know that now he will know the love and regard that resides in my heart for him and his family. It was not the last time he came to my defence. I hold all of you and his extended family and friends in my thoughts and prayers. I have no doubt Paula will greet him in love and light.
Kris Bakula says
Rod – I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Although after reading about all he did throughout his life I now know more about your strong work ethic and where you inherited your sense of humor! Wish I had had the opportunity to meet him. It is never easy to say good bye to someone you love. My sincere condolences to you, your mom and sister. Kris
John Duncan says
My name is John Duncan. When I was in high school my Dad owned a feed store called Duncan and Son. In the fall he would spot a railroad car up at Silver Star filled with molasses cake for winter cattle feeding at the Freida Jacobson ranch in Lincoln. Clarence and I would spend an entire weekend working out of that railroad car and making numerous trips in my Dad’s truck over Stemple Pass to deliver the feed. This was hard work but by Sunday night the railroad car was empty. I have always remembered this time and the great relationship Clearance and I had. He was one of the first adults that made me laugh and gave me good advice. His work ethic inspired me the rest of my life.
Doris ROMANISKO says
Jean. My heart shares your sadness. Clarence was a gentle giant with a sense of humor that matches mine.
Greg & Linda Paull says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. We never really knew Clarence other than through my Daughter in Law Jordan and son Ry, but We did see his work ethic and witty humorous personality which shows within his family members! May he Rest In Peace.
Mary and Dane Sark says
Jean and family so sorry to hear of Clarences passing. Our prays are with you all.
Jeff Beck says
Jean, Rod, Sharon and family, I am so sorry to hear of Clarence’s passing. You have my deepest condolences at this sorrowful time.
Sylvia and Larry Michaelson says
Dearest Neighbor, The Applegates. We are deeply saddened to hear about Clarence. It just seemed like yesterday that we chatted a bit at Perkin’s Restaurant and were in hopes and prayers that all would go well for you both. Jean, you are to be admired for your courage. So sorry you lost the love of your life. And I want you to know that I kept my word daily that you and Clarence would be in my prayers. Rod, a wonderful man, and darling Sharon, your hearts must be so crushed over so great a loss, your dad. May the angels of the Lord camp round about you and comfort your broken hearts. Sincerely, Larry and Sylvia Michaelson, and Family.
Kathy & Tim Royston says
Dear Jean, Rod & Sharon we are sorry for your loss. May your many fond memories carry you through these difficult times. Tim & Kathy
Teri Kellogg says
Jean, Sharron and Rod, I am sincerely sorry to hear of your great loss. Clarence was a very kind and nice man. I have fond memories of bowling with him and your whole family. Hold your memories close and tell all of those wonderful stories, they will get you through this emotional time. Teri Kellogg
Sara Dunlap says
My condolences to all of you.
Clarence was a gentle giant who brought a smile to my face and warmed my heart every time I saw him.
Krissy says
Hugs and love sent from a distance in this time of sadness. Uncle Bugs will forever be remembered in the many memories that our families have created. From the late night card games, the fireworks and the car catching fire, his gardens, the echoing laughter that filled the house, those are just a few things that come to mind. His stories of the past were wonderful to relive through his eyes. His love for Aunt Jean was expressed in a moment that I had with him in our last visit. It is a love that no one ever doubted for sure, but that moment was real and only showed how deeply his love flowed for his family. This is not good-bye, it is until we meet again Uncle Bugs.
Lois Ranf says
Dear Family,
I cannot remember ever not knowing Clarence! He and his family were long time family friends. I will always remember his pleasant smile. God Bless you Jean and your family. Savor the memories of the good times!
Lois Jerome Ranf
Sandee Olson says
So sorry for your loss. Take care during this time of loss
Cliff and Jacki Huff says
Jean, Rod,Sharon and family so sorry to hear of Clarences passing. We really miss the good times with you and your family. Jean you and I had good times teasing Clarence when we were scaring each other. He was a great guy. And will always be remembered as such. Prayers to you and the family.
Shanny says
Dear Aunt Jean, Rod & Sharon- There will never be a 4th of July that I won’t think of Uncle Bugs. I feel so very blessed to have such wonderful memories with Him and all of you on the Ranch – some of the best ever.
Sending infinite love and hugs to all of you … wish we could be there. XO Shannon
Hal Robbins says
Rod. Julie and I are so sad for your loss. We only had the pleasure of knowing Clarence for a short time. He was a very nice person and we enjoyed his company. He had an nice smile and was a a pleasure to be around. We will all miss him. Good thoughts to you and the family.
Wanda & Steve Arlint says
Rod, sorry for the loss of your dad. Please find comfort in knowing we care.
Diane L Tordale says
Jean and family;
So sorry for your loss. Clarence was a great guy. I have a lot of great memories of Clarence when I worked at Revenue and shared office space in the Liquor Warehouse.
Diane Tordale
Florence Shaw says
Jean and family;
Sorry to hear of Clarence’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man.
Sister Sharon says
my dearest Sis and Rod and Sherrie. These are probably things I should have said to Uncle Bugs for years but am saying them now. Thank you for loving my sister with all your heart and soul and for being such a good Dad to my niece and nephew. Only a very special man would allow is sister in law to live with him and his new wife and let her use his car for work! Yes, you were a very giving, loving man who provided many happy memories for this family. I’m really going to miss our football bets and all the joy and laughter you brought into the family. May all of you know how I share in your loss of our wonderful “Uncle Bugs”.
Liz Johnson says
Jean, Rod and Sharon – Sorry for your loss. Clarence was a very nice person. Liz & Eric
Michelle Anderson says
Jean, Sharon, Rod and family my heart aches for you all. Thoughts and prayers…always — Michelle