Alvin Clingingsmith

Alvin "Jake" Clingingsmith, 84, of Jackson died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 8, 1919, at Neelys Landing, son of Charles F. and Bessie Lou Sides Clingingsmith. He and Alma Hanselmann were married June 29, 1943, in Jackson.

Clingingsmith worked at the former Jackson Handle Factory, Penzel Construction, and the former Jackson Lumber Co. He worked for the city of Jackson as a power plant operator and then with the fire department, retiring in 1982. He also owned and operated Jake's Water Service 33 years, retiring in 1992.

He was a member of Emanuel United Church of Christ and Men's Fellowship, and formerly served on the church council. Clingingsmith was a member of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158, Excelsior Lodge 441 and its Sword of Bunker Hill.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from Oct. 16, 1942, to Dec. 13, 1945, and was in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Robert Clingingsmith of Norfork, Ark.; two daughters, Connie Friedrich of Cape Girardeau, Debbie Scholl of Jackson; a sister, Helen Humes of Jackson; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother and two sisters.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. An American Legion service will be held at 7.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery near Fruitland, with graveside military honors.