Clarence Crayton Gould, 96, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. Clarence was born on September 13, 1919 in rural Phillips County, Kansas, the son of Jay Crayton Gould and Etta Pearl (Hester) Gould. The family moved to Phillipsburg when Clarence was 2 yrs. Old, and he attended school in Phillipsburg, graduating from Phillipsburg High School in 1937. After graduation, Clarence moved to Long Beach, California where he attended Long Beach Junior College.

In February, 1941, Clarence was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served with 162nd Infantry Division and saw service in the Southern Philippines and New Guinea. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Service medals. He was honorably discharged in August, 1945. Clarence returned to Phillipsburg and enrolled in the University of Kansas at Lawrence where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Accounting in 1947.

On August 18, 1946, he married Juanita Johnson, also of Phillipsburg, to whom he remained married until his death, almost 70 years later. To this union was born two daughters, Jennifer Jan and Susan Kay.

Clarence and Juanita moved to Los Angeles, California in 1948. There Clarence went to work as an auditor for the Dept. of Defense. He obtained his Certified Public Accountant credential and worked for a short time for Librascope, returning to the Dept. of Defense, Defense Contract Audit Agency from where he retired in 1979.

Clarence and Juanita enjoyed their retirement, traveling in their motorhome across the United States. Prior to retirement they also enjoyed trips to Europe and to the Holy Land. At home, Clarence enjoyed golf and reading the Wall Street Journal.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Juanita, of the home in Los Angeles, his daughter Jan and son-in-law Jerry Knott of Alto, Texas, his daughter Kay and son-in-law John Pecora of Simi Valley, California, grandsons Kyle Hess and wife Angela of Lufkin, Texas, Darren Pecora of Simi Valley, great-grandchildren Abigail and Aidan Hess, sister June Hutchins of Seneca, South Carolina, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Dale, Loren and Maynard, his sisters Helen Ellis and Nelda Grubb, and granddaughter Gina Pecora.

Graveside services will be Saturday, May 7, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Clarence's name to a charity of your choice.