Clarence Wenske, 71, a longtime resident of Hallettsville, Texas, and current resident of Hilltop Lakes, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026.

Clarence was born on September 2, 1954, in Hallettsville, Texas, to Roman and Mary Wenske. He was the fourth of ten children. For 40 years, he was employed by Kaspar Wire Works in Shiner, Texas, where he worked in the wire department and eventually advanced to the position of Supervisor. He took immense pride in his work and remained deeply committed to providing for his family through steadfast dedication and perseverance. Following his retirement, Clarence and his wife, accompanied by their beloved dogs, moved to the Ozarks of Arkansas, where they enjoyed a quieter and more peaceful way of life.

Clarence was a man of strong character, enduring work ethic, and deep devotion to his family and faith. Having grown up picking cotton, he carried those values of diligence and resilience with him throughout his life. He enjoyed music, especially that of Elvis Presley and ZZ Top, and was an enthusiastic supporter of the Houston Astros, Rockets, and Texans. He found great joy in life's simple pleasures: a dog in his lap, homemade ice cream, barbecue on the pit, watching sports, and time spent with those he loved.

In his younger years, Clarence shared with his brothers a passion for cars and drag racing, including time spent racing his cherished 1969 green Chevelle. It had always been a life goal for him to attend the Indy 500 in which he was able to in 2014. In later years, he exchanged that passion for a set of golf clubs and developed a love for the game of golf. He was also a gifted and hardworking do-it-yourselfer, the kind of man who would replace his own roof, build a deck and a tree house for his children, and take pride in keeping his lawn in perfect order. No matter how demanding the day had been, he always made time at 5:25 each evening to play catch or shoot hoops in the driveway with his children, a memory that remains a lasting testament to his love and devotion as a father.

Clarence was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Diana, and a proud grandfather to his six beloved grandchildren: Landon, Mason, Ellie, and Olivia Catron, and Case and Carson Wenske. Known affectionately as "Grandpa" and "G-Pa," he will be fondly remembered for the time he spent with his grandchildren, especially throwing a ball, sharing stories, and playing dominoes or Uno.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diana; his children, Brandon (spouse Holly Milstead Wenske) and Christine (spouse Travis Catron); and his six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Mary Wenske, and brother Raymond Wenske.

A visitation and viewing will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at McCauley Funeral Home, 101 W. Decherd Street, Franklin, Texas 77856. Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1371 FM 1644, Franklin, Texas 77856.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to BCS Fights Cancer, Hilltop Lakes Animal Shelter or St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.