Clarence J. Wilsey

Clarence J. Wilsey

May 22, 1933 -Jan. 30, 2014

KEARNEY, Nebraska -- Graveside Memorial services for Clarence J. Wilsey will be conducted from the Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, Nebraska on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Robert Perry officiating.

Clarence James Wilsey, 80 years of age, of Kearney, Nebraska, (formerly of Oxford), passed away on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at his home in Kearney surrounded by his family. Clarence was born May 22, 1933, in Omaha, Nebraska, at his grandmother's house, the second of three children born to Joy M. and Almina M. (Kreeger) Wilsey. He attended South High School, graduating in 1951. He pursued higher education from Creighton University in Omaha, earning a bachelor's degree in pharmacy in 1956.

On Aug. 23, 1952, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Jean Rowe in Omaha. The family was blessed with three children: Philip, Allan and Joy Lynn. The couple made their home in Oxford.

In 1956, Clarence worked for the Gupton Drug Store in Oxford for two years. It was bought out and he began to work for the Preston Drug Company for ten years. On Jan. 1, 1968, Clarence purchased Preston Drug Company, retiring in 1990 after 22 years. Clarence then went to work for Tri-Valley Health Systems in Cambridge, later retiring in 1998.

Clarence was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Kearney, past member of the Oxford United Methodist Church, serving as a trustee, treasurer and teaching Sunday school. He also served as a scout leader, assistant master and master leader of the Boy Scouts of America, served as the mayor of Oxford, an Oxford school board member, served on the Oxford Village Board and was also a member of the Oxford Rotary Foundation since 1960.

In his spare time, Clarence enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Clarence and Phyllis also hosted five foreign exchange students.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Joy Lynn Smith, in 2003 and his wife, Phyllis, in 2011.

Survivors include his sons, Philip Wilsey and his wife, Kim of Grand Island, Nebraska, and Allan Wilsey and his wife, Janice of Papillion, Nebraska; son-in-law, Dan Smith of Beaver City, Nebraska; seven grandchildren, Amy Govier and her husband, Trey of Lincoln, Nebraska, Nicholas Smith and his wife, Brenda of Holdrege, Nebraska, Allan Smith and his wife, Robin of Wilcox, Mieke Matzner and her husband, Chad of Grand Island, Tony Wilsey and his wife, Megan of Franklin, Nebraska, Justin Wilsey of Papillion and Andrew Wilsey of Papillion; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, Don Wilsey and his wife, Dorothy of Milwaukie, Oregon and Gary Wilsey and his wife, Virginia of Redwood City, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation as the family has chosen cremation.

A memorial has been established in Clarence's honor and kindly suggested to Fresenius Dialysis Center - Overland Trails in Kearney.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.