Clarence Pyles

Clarence Marvin Pyles, Sr. was born on August 10, 1931, in Anniston, Alabama to his parents, Carlton Pyles and Clara McCallister Pyles. He was the 4th child of 7 born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, James, Roy, Ralph, Joe, Carlton, Jr. and his sister, Mary. As a child, Clarence loved sports. He would practice to perfection to be the best. He and his siblings shared a close relationship and they enjoyed being with each other. Clarence received his formal education in Alabama where he graduated from the Calhoun County Training School in Hobson City. He furthered his education by attending Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama. In November of 1951, Clarence enlisted in the United States Army. While serving his country, he was stationed on Army post both foreign and domestic. Some of the awards, ribbons and citation's he earned include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, A Good Conduct Medal w/7 Awards/ the National Defense Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Clusters, a Meritorious Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal just to name a few. He truly loved his job in Artillery and commanding his troops. He valiantly served his country for over 25 years and was honorably discharged on October 31, 1980, at the rank of First Sergeant (E8). On February 5, 1957, Clarence united in holy matrimony to the former Marie Tarkington. They first met in Junction City, Kansas. The love between them was both undeniable and unconditional. To this union, Victoria and Clarence, Jr. were born and with this union, he became the father of John. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. He was later blessed with fourteen grandchildren and twenty eight great grandchildren who were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They lovingly called him "Papa and great Papa" and fondly remember all the happy and memorable moments they shared together. Marie preceded him in death. A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Clarence worshiped at the Fort Carson Cathedral located in Fort Carson, Colorado. He truly believed in the power of prayer and having a relationship with the Lord. Clarence was a fun loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he continued to be an avid sports enthusiast. His closest friends, Felix Stafford and Natalie Brown will miss the camaraderie's they all shared together and the fact than he was a true and trusted friend. They will also miss his jovial personality and his ability to find humor in most situations. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful man. To know Clarence was to love him. Clarence Marvin Pyles, Sr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on April 7, 2015, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his daughter, Victoria E. (Pastor Cedric) Gomez of Aurora, Colorado; 2 sons, John J. (Adela) Cross of Fountain, Colorado and Clarence M. Pyles, Jr., of Colorado Springs, Colorado; 1 sister, Mary (David) Washington, Hinesville, Georgia; 14 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 4/15/2015 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/16/2015 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 4/16/2015 - Following the Service Fairview Cementery - Fountain , CO