Obituary: Clarence Vicent, 99, of Baldwin

Clarence Vincent

Clarence “Peacock’ Vicent was born March 7, 1925, in Peacock to William and Edna Mae Vicent. Clarence was an inquisitive and strong-willed child. He had such a great love of trains that the lure of the train whistle would beckon him from his seat in the classroom of the small school he attended in rural Peacock. Clarence was an exceptionally bright student. His mother Edna was advised that Clarence should pursue a college degree, but money for college not being readily available, Clarence started working after graduating from Dickson Rural Agricultural High School in Brethren.

Clarence spent his early years running to see every train that passed through, playing with his sister Willa Mae and brother Albert, attending to chores and worshiping with his family at the small church in Peacock. He was definitely a leader because he called the shots on who would play with him and when, what and how they would play. He assumed a leadership role in his family as a young adult after his father died. Clarence bore a constant reminder of his father’s death in the form of a large keloid scar on his wrist. As he was working on the car to go get assistance for his father, his clothes caught fire. His mother rushed out and saved him from being consumed by the fire, but the serious burns left a permanent scar. That incident cemented an even stronger bond between mother and son as Clarence remained devoted to caring for his mother over the next several decades of her life.

Clarence’s devotion to family was not reserved only for his mother. Clarence used his charm and wit to persuade Jessie B. Washington to leave her home in Alabama and settle down with him in Baldwin. They were wed on May 25, 1952. They welcomed to their union, daughters Bessie Gwendolyn and Evangeline B. and sons Clarence Bernard, Alvin H., Alfred C. and Carl E. Clarence and Jessie raised their family to love and honor God, ensuring that they were active in Sunday school, choir, usher board and other groups and activities. They also insisted on the children receiving a proper education. As a result, each child had an opportunity to attend college and several hold multiple degrees.

Clarence had an exceptional work ethic. He was blessed to be able to meld his avocation (love of all things trains) with his vocation (railroad trackman, first for Pere Marquette Railroad and later for Chesapeake & Ohio (C & O) Railroad and finally for CSX). Clarence’s job allowed the family to take annual trips to Chicago and the South to visit wife Jessie’s family. Two of Clarence’s favorite songs are train-centered: hymn– “Life is Like a Mountain Railway”; jazz/blues– “Choo Choo Ch’boogie– Take Me Right Back To The Track Jack.” Clarence was a “Union Man”, continuing to serve as member and secretary/treasurer of his local Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way (Teamsters) for a total of 54 years, including many years of service after retirement. His post-retirement “leisure” also included part-time jobs at Lake Osceola State Bank and at the village town hall. At age 99, Clarence is believed to be the oldest elected Baldwin Village councilman.

In the last several years, Clarence could be seen cruising through town on his motorized mobility scooter, even crossing the busy highway to get to church. Before that, Clarence rode his bicycle to any place that he did not need to drive. On Saturdays he could be found at the local library perusing newspaper and magazine articles. The combination of his physical activity, work, reading and focus on spiritual bonding with God, helped keep Clarence “forever young”.

Clarence, who was brought up in the church from infancy, confessed his love for the Lord at an early age. He was a devoted member of Christ Community Church. Over the decades he sang in a male chorus, taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School Superintendent, served as Trustee and church sexton. Although he suffered through many adversities in his nearly 100 years on this earth, Clarence never lost his Faith. For every tragedy or adversity, he had a story of how his “God Smiled” on him. He frequently called his children and told them “Make sure you get in the church, love God, keep your hand in His and pray. He will smile on you too.” As much as Clarence desired to achieve the goal of celebrating his 100th birthday in March 2025, he understood the greater value of eternal life. In the days before his sunset, he declared “I’m ready to go home to be with God” and with that he listened for the whistle of the Train To Glory to stop at his station and he got on board.

Clarence was preceded in death by loving wife Jessie; sons Alvin and Clarence Jr. (Toni); granddaughter Kimberly; grandson Stephen; great-grandchildren Dayo, Jr. and Khelani; parents William and Edna; and sisters Willa Mae and Lenora.

He leaves to mourn daughters Gwendolyn and Evangeline (James); sons Alfred (Virginia) and Carl; 18 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren (one of whom was born just three weeks before Clarence transitioned and a new great-grandson is due in March 2025); brother Albert (who is 95); and a host of nieces and nephews and a multitude of other family and friends.

Clarence was especially proud of being “the original Clarence”, with a son, grandson and great-grandson bearing the name Clarence. Two days before his transition grandson and great-grandson Clarence visited and sang songs with the Original Clarence. Grandson Jason gave him a fresh haircut that brought a Kool aid smile to his face. Clearly Clarence was smiled on by God and was loved by many.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Christ Community Church in Baldwin from 5 to 7 p.m.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Baldwin Community Schools at 11 a.m. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. at the school. He will be laid to rest at Pleasant Plains Township Cemetery.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.