Funeral for Clarence Avery, 82, Lawton will be at 1:30 PM Monday at Centenary United Methodist Church with Rev. Norma Quinn, senior pastor officiating. Mr. Avery died Thursday, January 3, 2013 in Lawton. Burial will be at Letitia Cemetery, east of Lawton under the direction of Becker Funeral Home & Cremation Service. The family will greet friends from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Clarence was born April 19, 1930 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to Maudie (McNally) and Sgt Clarence Edward Avery, Sr. He grew up mostly in Lawton, with a short time in California and Washington. He enjoyed all sports, both playing and watching. At about 7 years old he started playing baseball with a group called the "Vacant Lot Kids" - a forerunner of peewee ball - organized and coached by Buford Pringle. All through school he played football, basketball and baseball. After graduating from Lawton High School in 1949, he attended Cameron College, where his football playing was ended by a serious knee injury. He became an avid fan and supporter of Oklahoma teams at all levels. In his 50's he started playing golf with a group of friends who referred to themselves as the "Medicare Pack." The friendships made through school and sports lasted a lifetime. In 1950, when the 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma National Guard was activated for the Korean "Conflict, " Clarence joined the 45th to serve with his friends. Upon return to the United States, he was discharged in 1952. Clarence married Wilda Robinson, and to that marriage were born a son, Mark and a daughter, Jamie. Clarence was in various retail businesses and pawn shops as owner, partner or salesman. In all of these he enjoyed seeing his old friends and making new ones. In 1977, Clarence married Jo Nan Rose. Their mutual interest in sports led them on many trips to watch high school, Cameron, OU and professional games with a large group of friends. They also traveled just to see new places, both on escorted tours and self-guided tours that often took them off the beaten path. When their granddaughter, Hayley, was 18 months old, she joined them and became a great traveler. Many of the trips were even more interesting, seeing them through the eyes of a curious child. They were also the source of many hours of happy reminiscing when illness curtailed such travels. Hayley has been a really special part of Clarence's life, since his retirement, he had time to spend with her and she obviously was happy being with her "Gaga". She has his love for friends and sports and gave Clarence another group to cheer on - the Special Olympics. At an early age, Clarence was baptized and has always been involved in church. For the past 36 years he has attended Centenary United Methodist Church and served on various boards and committees, again renewing old friendships and gaining new ones. Clarence is survived by his wife, Jo Nan, of the home, his son, Mark, his daughter, Jamie Tanner, his granddaughter, Hayley Tanner, one niece and six nephews. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Bettie Sammons and her husband Wallace, his sister, Ruthie Burnett and her husband Floyd, a nephew, Mike Sammons and his first wife Wilda. Memorial Contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 704 S.W. D Ave, Lawton, OK 73501 or the a charity of your choice.