Clarence L Tolson died 22 January 2008.

He was born on May 25, 1930 in Washington, Indiana, the son of Charles and Golda Tolson.

He was a 1948 Washington High School graduate.

In 1950, he married high school sweetheart Virginia Dayton. The couple has resided in Fort Branch, Indiana for the past 52 years where they raised their three children: Debra Lee, David Alan and Lori Ann.

He was a Christian and an active member and deacon of the Ft. Branch General Baptist Church. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 38 years and attained the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest non-commissioned officer rank.

He was employed by Southern Indiana Gas & Electric (SIGECO) for 44 years. Following his retirement, he worked as a part-time ski instructor for Paoli Peaks for over 10 years, through the 2006-07 ski season.

Tolson served as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troup 242 for 13 years. During that time, he was awarded the Scouters Key and the Scout Masters Key, both national training honors from Boy Scouts of America, and was also the recipient of the Three Rivers District Buffalo Award.

For over twenty years, he also developed, organized and led numerous mission, skiing and other adventure trips for youth through the Ft. Branch General Baptist Church. He continued to serve church, home school and scouting-based youth functions in an adjunct capacity through planning, organizing, mentoring and teaching.

He was awarded the Good Shepherd Emblem, a national recognition for adults who have rendered outstanding service to youth. Nominees for the Emblem must have demonstrated exemplary leadership and significant contributions to youth over an extended period of time through his or her church and one of the youth-serving agencies. Tolson was cited for distinguished service to youth leading toward their spiritual, physical, mental and moral development. He was an accomplished artist, carpenter, swimmer, mushroom hunter and snowmobile enthusiast.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother (James) Wayne Baker; brother James Tolson of Washington, IN; and sister Luelda Jane Schadt of Little Rock AK.

Clarence is survived by Virginia, his wife of 57 years; daughter and son-in-law Deb and Steve Sacksteder of Washington, IN; son and daughter-in-law Dave and Suzette Tolson of Houston TX; daughter and son-in-law Lori and Jeff Walters of Buck Creek IN; eight grandchildren: Micah, Elijah and Anna Walters, Drew, Faith and Derek Tolson, Megan (Sacksteder) Ferris and David Sacksteder.

Friends may visit from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, January 25 at Stodghill Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 26, 10:30 a.m. at the Ft. Branch General Baptist Church, with internment at Oak Grove Cemetery in Washington Indiana beginning at 2:00 p.m.