Clarence Joy Laney Jr., 76, of Waxahachie, Texas, formerly of Whitesboro was called to his eternal home on Monday, January 29, 2024.
Clarence was born on October 7, 1947 in Morenci, Arizona to Clarence Joy Laney Sr. and Ethel Eugenia (Hanna) Laney. He worked for the Lewisville ISD as their energy manager. He was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason at DeSoto Lodge No. 1409. He also had plural memberships at Nash Lodge No. 638, Stanfield Lodge No. 217, and Whitesboro Lodge No. 363. He was initiated in Z. E. Coombes Chapter and Council which merged with Love Field Chapter No. 478 and Council No. 396. He also had plural memberships at Dad Pender Chapter No. 80, Dad Pender Council No. 50, Midlothian Chapter No. 211, and Midlothian Council No. 148. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Council in 1997. He also served as District Deputy Grand High Priest for the Grand Chapter in 2004. He served as Grand Representative of the Grand Council of Missouri near Texas and the Grand Representative of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey near Texas. He was knighted in Tancred Commandery No. 82. He also had plural memberships at Alexander C. Garrett No. 103, Denton Commandery No. 45, Dallas Commandery No. 6, and Indivisible Friends No. 13. He served 13 years on the drill team with Dallas Commandery. He also served as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Most Illustrious Grand Council in 2003. In 2007 he served as the Most Excellent High Priest of Texas of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in Texas. In 2019 he served as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of Texas. He was also a member of the St. Austin Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, KCCH Knight Commander Court of Honor Scottish Rite Dallas Valley, and the Presiding Ascena Tabernacle XX Holy Royal Arts Knight Templar Priest.
Clarence loved to travel, play games on the computer, he enjoyed dominoes, card games and was a master chess player. In his youth he was considered a pool shark. Clarence loved his dogs, and he loved his family deeply and dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Elisa Laney of Waxahachie; daughter, Becki Murray and husband, Jeff of Hillsboro; stepdaughters, Anna Gil, Rose Garcia, stepson, Anthony Bailey Carrillo, six grandchildren, two brothers, Larry Laney and Skipper Laney, and sister, Donna Phillips, as well as numerous loving family and friends.
Clarence was preceded in death by his first wife of 47 years, Pamela Laney and his parents, Clarence Sr. and Ethel Laney.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to the Knights Templer Eye Foundation at https://www.ktef.org/donations-page.
Funeral services honoring Clarence will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Meador Funeral Home officiated by Dr. Fred Thrower. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service time at the funeral home.
Brother Laney has laid down his working tools and now sits at the right hand of the Grand Architect of the Universe. Be at peace Worthy Brother! We will miss you at DeSoto Lodge No. 1409, and proud to be your Home Lodge.
Hello Beckey,I’m sorry to hear of your loss.i enjoyed the times I had the pleasure of cleaning your parents home and yours.I miss getting to visit with u and Your parents I’ll always remember those times.Hope u are enjoying married life and pray God is blessing u and your hubby.Ill be keeping u in my prayers.
I had the pleasure om meeting Brother Clarence when I came to DeSoto Lodge and asked to join. I was working for DeSoto PD and he was working for DeSoto ISD. What a pleasure it was to know him through the years. A Good Man that helped make others better. I last saw him at Grand Lodge this year and we talked. Still a good friend and brother. His trust in the Lord was strong. We will all miss him. Go rest my brother, Job well done.
I have known Clarence, Skipper, Larry & Donna since 1st day of junior high 1962. Clarence was the force to be reckoned with if you picked on his brothers or Sister. His mother “Mrs Laney” (to me) instilled a certain sense of right and wrong. And a strong conviction of family, and friends. Although I’ve missed his events of life markers, I hold him in a certain reverence, of his success through his life endeavors. His sort of humorous take on life events, never seem to affect his character. I will surely miss Clarence, and love him as my brother.
To my eternal Friend, Thank You for your steadfast Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, Your Love & Kindness for others, our Masonic road trips together, Your mentoring throughout my Masonic Journey, and introducing me to York Rite Masonry, asking me to nominate You for Grand Commander of Texas at the Annual Communications.
What an Honor to call You Friend.
From my heart: Member of Whitesboro Lodge #263.
So sorry about your dad. I know what the family is going through. My love and prayers are with you and the family. Only time can heal. Remember the good times and fun times. Audrey and Penny