Clarence Herbert Schkade

God called Clarence Herbert Schkade home on Thursday, August 6, 2015. He died in his home at the age of 93. He survived the depression, World War II and the crashes of the oil business, but could not beat cancer. Born in The Grove, Texas to Louise Emma Schkade and Alvin John Schkade, he grew up in Albany, Texas with 10 brothers and sisters. In 1942 he joined the Coast Guard to serve his country in World War II, where he was badly burned in a boiler explosion on his ship. He was then honorably discharged as a decorated veteran. Upon returning, he and his brothers Oscar and Richard Schkade began working for an uncle in the oilfield. While working for his uncle he developed a passion for the oilfield, and he and his brothers bought their first rig together and started Schkade Brothers Drilling Co. Clarence, Oscar and Richard successfully created one of the oldest locally owned small oil companies around. Clarence was a hard worker; he never retired and still loved the oil business until the day he died. On July 3, 1948 Clarence married the love of his life, Vivian Lane Schkade at Zion Lutheran Church in Abilene, Texas. They were married for 63 years and had three daughters. He was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, but deer hunting was always his favorite. He proudly shared his love of hunting with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Clarence enjoyed traveling and went on several “oil and gas cruises” in the 1980’s. Traveling to Ruidoso, New Mexico for an annual family vacation and going to the horse races was one of his favorite things to do. In his younger days boating and ranching were two of his most cherished past times. He had a generous heart, took care of everyone, always welcomed you with a huge smile and never complained. He was truly a good man. He loved God and his family more than anything and was in return loved beyond measure. A longtime Abilenian, Clarence was a devout Christian and an active member of Zion Lutheran Church for over 66 years, during which time he served the church in numerous leadership positions. A beloved Brother, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, he will be deeply missed and is survived by daughter Pamela Schkade of Abilene, Texas, daughter Jan Jones and her husband Tony Jones of Weatherford, Texas, daughter Mendie Bradshaw and husband Greg Bradshaw of Abilene, Texas, granddaughter Amber Sanders and husband Steven Sanders of Abilene, Texas, granddaughter Jourdan Bradshaw of Abilene, Texas, and great-grandchildren Briley and Brady Sanders of Abilene, Texas. Surviving brothers and sisters include Oscar Schkade, William Schkade, Anne Tankersley, Florine Jeter, Hilda Wright, and Violet Schkade, along with numerous other nieces, nephews family and friends. Clarence was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years Vivian Lane Schkade, brother Benny Schkade, sister Ella Schkade and brother Richard Schkade. Funeral services will be1:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, at Zion Lutheran Church in Abilene with Pastor Clyde Kieschnick officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 9, at 2502 Shoreline Drive in Abilene. Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Eichorst, Troy Coats, Mark Hart, Wayne Lanham, Ricky Law, Jon McAden, Dennis Schkade, Jerry Storey and Bennie Jeter. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Music Ministries, 2801 Antilley Rd., Abilene, TX 79606. Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.