Clarence W. Clum

Clarence W. Clum, 79, of New Philadelphia passed away Thursday, June 10, 2010 at Union Hospital following a brief illness.

Born on September 2, 1930, in Fry's Valley, he was the son of the late William E. and Edna (Miller) Clum. After graduating from Gnadenhutten High School in 1948, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953.

On May 16, 1952, he married the love of his life, Theresa Ruffini. The couple met while Theresa was waitressing at the former City Auto in New Philadelphia. Theresa preceded him in death on March 21, 2005.

In 1957, he founded Clum Tire in New Philadelphia. He, along with his cousin, Alan "Doc" Kinsey, relocated the tire company to its current location on South Broadway in New Philadelphia in 1963.

Clarence was known in Tuscarawas County for his delicious homemade wine. He also was a talented musician and enjoyed playing the accordion, violin, and banjo. Above all, he loved spending time with his friends and family. He was a member of the "Flakes," also known as the "Flakey Floaters" who were a group of friends that met at Atwood Lake and have enjoyed many years of fun and friendship. He enjoyed many trips to TJ's Restaurant in Stone Creek with his good friend and brother in-law, Eli "Hoss" Hostetler. Clarence had a special place in his heart for animals. There was not a stray that passed by his home that was left unfed. He leaves behind his canine companion and "best friend," Jack.

Clarence will be sadly missed by his three children; Steven ( wife, Pamela) Clum of Port Washington, Sue ( husband, Ken) Hawkins of New Philadelphia, Sam ( wife, Lori) Clum of New Philadelphia;a brother, Howard Clum of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Steven A. (Wendy) Clum II, Kristopher (Michelle) Clum, Persephone (Tom) McCreery, Lindsay (Keith) Waggoner, John (Heather) Hawkins, Sam Clum II (companion, Emily Thomas), Brandon (Stephanie) Clum, Breanna (Chase) Colaner; great grandchildren, Steven Clum III, Katie Clum, Grant Clum, Morgan Clum, Andrew Gazdik, Aden Clum, Peyton Clum, Layla Clum, Austin McCreery, Ashton McCreery, Corinne Hawkins, and another expected great-grandchild, Landon Colaner in July.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded by his great-grandson; Nathaniel Ryan Clum; along with two brothers, Chester and Arthur Clum.

A celebration of Clarence's life will take place Monday, June 14, 2010 at 10:30am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia with Mark Overholt officiating. He will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Fry's Valley Cemetery. Following the committal service, a meal will be served at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 5-8:30 pm.

Those unable to attend, or who would like to share a fond memory of Clarence may do so by visiting the "Obituaries" link on the funeral home's website.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St, Dover, Oh 44622, or the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, PO Box 92, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

Toland-Herzig, New Philadelphia
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com