CRISMAS, Clarence M. - b. March 20, 1891 - d. September 1986

[genealogynut]

(From JoAnne Clevenger's personal collection.  This obit is posted on her behalf.)

Clarence M Crismas was born on a farm east of Howard on March 20, 1891.  His parents were James Welch Crismas and Melissa Jane Aul.  He went to Pleasant Hill School and Fredonia Business College.

Early in life he knew what he wanted to do.  He liked nice clothes and wanted to have a store so he could sell them to other people.  He was able to go in business in Howard in 191?, starting with a cleaning shop.  The man he purchased the cleaning shop from stayed for one week to teach him the business.  In a few years, he started selling ties, shirts, socks, and taking orders for tailor made suits.  He finally stocked the store what became "The Toggery," a first rate men's clothing store.  He continued with this until 1946, when he sold the cleaning shop to Fred Shepard.  He continued with the Toggery until 1952, when he sold the store to Andy Alt.

By this time, he had started buying land and cattle and continued this until he sold his land and cattle in 1973.

Clarence was united in marriage to Harriet Myrtle Davis on March 17, 1917, in Kansas City, Mo.  To this union was born one daughter, Jo Anne.

Clarence lived all his life in Howard and has lived in the same house since 1917.  He served 10 years on the Howard City Council, from 1933 to 1943, serving as Mayor from 1939 to 1943.

He is survived by his daughter, Joanne Clevenger of Wichita; a sister, Myrtle Isaacs, Medford, Okla., and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 1986 in the Zimmerman Funeral Home with Bernard Smith of the Howard Church of Christ officiating.  Mrs. Valettte Smith was the organist with Mrs. Louise Morgan singing "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross."

The casketbearers were Carl Criger, David Denton, Waldo Gray, Jerry Hubbell, Weldon Russell, and Bill Marion with Arch Clark and Guy Morgan as honorary casket bearers.

Burial was held in Grace Lawn Cemetery at Howard.  A memorial has been established with the American Narcolepsy Association, Inc.  Contributions can be left with the funeral home.  The funeral arrangements were made with the Zimmerman Funeral Home of Howard.