George H. Clanton

After a full and wonderful life, George went to be with the Lord on March 13, 2011. Born near Fortson, Louisiana on March 18, 1918, he spent his early years in Natchitoches before moving to Shreveport. The fifth of eight children, he was the son of Joseph Willis Clanton and Margaret (Maggie) Anna Fluker of Coffeyville, Alabama.

George attended Fair Park High School and following the loss of both his Mother and Father by age 18, went to live with his brother, Joseph. Mentored by Joseph, he began a career in the construction industry, highlighted by 38 years with Fluor Corporation that included assignments throughout the US and abroad.

In early 1940, George met the love of his life, Eva Lea Cryer of Vernon Parish. They were married in Rosepine on April 6, 1940. He was drafted into the Army in mid-1944 and was assigned to the 5th Army, 85th Infantry Division, after basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida. The 85th Division participated in the final offensive in northern Italy, culminating in the Po Valley Campaign. Following V-E Day in May, 1945, George was assigned to the 345th Engineer’s Battalion in Livorno for another year prior to coming home.

After retiring in 1980, George and Eva Lea settled in Rosepine and enjoyed 16 more wonderful years together before her death in 1996. During this time, they were members of Rosepine First Baptist Church, where he was ordained and served as a deacon.

In 1999, at age 81, George married the second love of his life, Ruth Arlene Baham Moreau, on March 27 and moved to De Ridder where they were able to complete almost 12 happy and fulfilling years together. George and Ruth moved their memberships to the First Baptist Church of De Ridder, where he again served as a deacon. Other activities and memberships of note include Gideon’s International, member and past Master of Masonic Lodge 290 in Rosepine and member of the Joy Singers at First Baptist in De Ridder.

George is survived by one son, Jerry Stephen and wife Judy of Katy, Texas, sisters Dorothy Helen Morris of San Antonio, and Ruth Claire Jean of Shreveport, and a brother John Ray of Pattonville, Texas. In addition, he has three step-children, Bridget Denise Player of Charleston, South Carolina, Keaven James Moreau of Huntsville, Alabama and Garth Ovead Moreau of St James City, Florida. George’s grandchildren include Stephen Hardy Clanton of Parker, Colorado, Robert Lee Clanton of Humble, Texas, Jeri Lynn Phillips of San Diego, California and Joseph William Clanton of Katy, Texas. Step-grandchildren include Alexander Michael and Katherine Jamie Player of Charleston, Makenzie Blaine and Madison Tyler Moreau of Huntsville and Lily Kate and Anna Grace of St. James City. Great grandchildren are Jace Ryan and Anjolie Shea Lynn Clanton of Littleton, Colorado, Brody James Clanton of Katy, Texas and Bryson Lee Clanton of Humble. Texas.

We’re going to miss him but we can take comfort in the fact that there’s a welcoming celebration going on in Heaven. He was a wonderful example and an inspiration to all of us. George was truly a man of faith, conviction, love, compassion and joy who subscribed to the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and hard work. His philosophy was simple – always do the right thing.

Family is invited to the viewing at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in De Ridder on Wednesday, March 16 from 4 to 5 pm, with public viewing to follow until 9 pm. Services will be held at First Baptist Church of De Ridder at 11 am March 17th followed by burial at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery near Spring Ridge, Louisiana. Graveside service will begin at 3:30pm.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Gideon’s International or the Building Fund at First Baptist Church, De Ridder.