Wesley Clarence

Wesley “Buddy” Clarence, 88, of Farmington, died Monday, September 27th, 2021, after complications related to a fall at home. He was born on August 29, 1933, in Douglas, Arizona, to Henry and Annie Clarence. He married Elaine Farmer on February 3rd, 1959, and she survives.

Also surviving are his three children, Terry (Julie) of Coopersburg, PA, Twyla (Craig) of Deer Park, WA, and Troy (Aimee) of Denver, CO; one sister, Charlene Skinner (Al) of Willcox, AZ; one granddaughter, Cassie; four grandsons, Alex, Zachary, Riley, and Jacob; and several loving nieces and nephews. His parents and brother Bill and sister Ruth preceded him in death.

Buddy was a sergeant in the US Army, stationed near Frankfurt, Germany during the Korean War. After his military service he became an accomplished construction engineer, working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in road construction projects throughout the Navajo Reservation. Buddy was awarded a Citation for Valor from the US Department of the Interior for his attempts to save two boys who had fallen through ice on a frozen pond near Tuba City, AZ. His love and respect for his family and the Native Americans he worked with was obvious to everyone who knew him and continued to the end of his life.

After retiring as Construction Superintendent for the BIA in 1987, he worked for a variety of local contractors in construction and inspection roles, including the Farmington airport road improvement, the Southside Road bypass improvement, and the Dulce water treatment plant project. His children went through the Aztec school system and they each graduated from NMSU in Las Cruces, NM.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 15th, 2021, at the Farmington Funeral Home at 2111 West Apache Street. Officiating will be Richard May and Jared Blakely, ministers representing the Faith that Buddy loved and believed. The family wishes to express special thanks to Guardian Angel Hospice Care, PALS Homecare, Dr. Matthew Dekay, and Dr. Robert Sprung, each for their expertise and kindness. And finally, a heartfelt thanks to local nephews Chuck Clarence, Clay Clarence, and Tracy Clarence, for their steady help, assistance, and love through the years.