CLARENCE ARNOLD SCOGGAN, son of Chester Dotson & Mabel Grace (Acton) Scoggan, was born on Dec. 19, 1918 and before the age of one, he received first prize at the Beloit Fair for “Best Looking Baby in Mitchell County”. He completed his long life’s journey at the Mitchell County Hospital Resident Care Center on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at the age of 101 years & 1 month, where they lovingly gave him a poster that beautifully summarized his life: FAITH, FAMILY, FARMING, & FLYING.
FAITH: Growing up on the family farm, he attended Pleasant View Methodist Church his entire life until it closed. An honest, kind, generous man, who was faithful, dedicated & willing to serve his church, family, & friends. Humble & modest, he seldom took personal credit for almost anything, always giving the praise to God.
FAMILY: Clarence was married to Marjorie Gates for 66 years. From building a swing set and go-cart, giving “horsey rides” on his back, wrestling, and boxing matches, to attending school functions, Clarence always knew what was important in life. Basically shy & on the quiet side, he had a wonderful sense of humor however and occasionally played practical jokes, with a twinkle in his eye, on unsuspecting victims. “Stubby” and “Margie” loved to travel, square dance, sing hymns together, and be with family & friends.
FARMING: At a young age & throughout life, Clarence was self-motivated, good at mechanics, imaginative, and frugal, with a strong work ethic. A man of many self-taught skills, he liked building things from scratch and figuring out how to do most projects needed to help grow the family farm. Serving on the Farmway Co-op Board of Directors from 1974-1985, he was an excellent steward of the land, educating himself in good farming practices. He seldom put off ‘til tomorrow what he could do today, rarely did a job until it was done right, and always took pride in maintaining a neat and tidy farm.
FLYING: A few years after getting out of the Army, Clarence fulfilled his dream of becoming a pilot in 1947, a great joy to him for 40 plus years, flying for business & pleasure to many states. Beloit Flying, Inc. formed in 1960 and he participated 27 years, becoming the last member with a valid flying license before dissolution in 1987. Countless fond memories were made at air shows, conventions, and flying family & friends “to & fro”, including Sunday afternoon jaunts around the Beloit area.
Now, having taken his final flight to his heavenly, eternal home, Clarence is reunited with his Parents, Sister Marie (Lummis, Brothers Harold and Lowell, and Wife Marjorie. Left to celebrate his wonderful life are: Sons, Gary (Linda) of Wappingers Falls, NY, and Roy (Pam) of Beloit, Daughters Marieta Hancock of Edmond, OK, and Marlene (Santos) Bonilla of Salina, KS., 10 Grandchildren, 24 GGrandchildren, and 5 GGGrandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 PM Wednesday, February 5 at the Beloit First United Methodist Church followed by burial in Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-7 PM with family present from 5-7 PM Tuesday, February 4 at the Roberts Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Church or Mitchell County Regional Medical Foundation.