Clarence was born on January 17, 1930, in Macon, Mo., the son of Clarence A. Sr. and Lucretia R. (Howell) Swaidner. He married Nora Louise Smith on April 16, 1955. Clarence owned and operated Clarence's Service Co., a heating and cooling service in Kansas City, Mo., retiring in 2000. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oak Grove.

His survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Louise Swaidner of the home; a son, Michael Swaidner and wife, Carol, Colchester, Vt.; two daughters, Melody Callon and husband, Rod, of Kansas City, Mo., and Audrey Morrison of Oak Grove; five grandchildren, Laura (Callon) Van DeWiele, Courtney Swaidner, Megan Morrison, Jake Morrison and Erin Swaidner; and three great-grandchildren, Matthew, Joel and Joseph Van DeWiele.

Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the First Baptist Church of Oak Grove. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, (816) 690-4441. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the church.