Clarence William Ham, age 79 of the Locker Community, left this life on earth to join his Lord in Heaven on Sunday, July 17, 2011. Clarence was also met at the gates of Heaven by his beloved wife, Shirley Ruth and son Ritha Earl who proceeded him in death.

Clarence was born in Whitsett, Texas on July 19, 1931 to Benjamin and Nancy Ham. He and Shirley were married on February 13, 1954 in Pleasanton, Texas. They settled in Whitsett where they started their family and later moved to Three Rivers where they raised their four children. Clarence is survived by his daughter, Clarise Ham Kehoe of Locker, his son, Clay Ham and daughter-in-law Joyanne of Sugarcreek, Ohio and Dennis Ham of Locker.

Clarence was "Grandpa" to Shawn David and Sophia Marie. They brought so much joy to his life and he delighted in spending time teaching them about ranch life. He also had a special bond with sister-in-law, Esther whom he and Shirley helped raise from the time she was eight years old.

Clarence proudly joined the United States Army on July 2, 1951 where he served for two years and was a Veteran of the Korean War. Before joining the Army, Clarence started working for a local honeybee operation as a teenager. His vast experience and knowledge working in this area would later serve him well as he obtained employment with the Texas Department of Entomology as a honeybee inspector for the State. This job took him away from his family too often so he left it and started his own company, Ham’s Dozer Service, which enabled him to work with his sons.

After the children were grown, Clarence and Shirley moved to Rock Creek Ranch in the Locker Community where they embraced the ranching life, and grew to love the town and people of San Saba.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday morning, July 21, 2011 at the Locker Cemetery at 10:00 AM. There will be a Celebration of Clarence’s Life at The Father’s House Fellowship Hall at 11:00 AM.

While we will miss Clarence very much, we rejoice in knowing that he is in Heaven with God and Family.

Memorials can be made to San Saba County EMS or Richland Springs Vol. Fire Department.