Roll Call Tribute

Rest Haven Funeral Home - Rockwall Chapel obituary
2500 State Hwy. 66 East
Rockwall, TX   75087 

Clarence Frederick  Plagens

Clarence Frederick Plagens, age 79 of Rockwall, TX, passed away August 29, 2014, after a three year battle against cancer.  He died at home, surrounded by his loving family. Clarence was born August 17, 1935 in Brazos County, TX, to Edward & Victoria (Opresteny) Plagens.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army.  Clarence was a life-long Aggie, having been actually born in a house situated on the A&M campus. His family moved to Wall, Texas to farm cotton and he graduated from San Angelo High School in 1954. After trying his hand at farming (and after watching his beautiful soon-to-be-picked cotton crops destroyed in a hail storm), Clarence applied to Texas A&M University. The admissions officer told him there was no reason he should let him in based on his grades from high school but, the counselor could tell Clarence was serious so, he admitted him on probationary status.  He made the Dean’s List and graduated in 1965.

After moving to Rockwall in 1978, Clarence exchanged Aggie maroon and white for Yellow Jacket orange and white and he never missed a game when he could cheer for his daughter, Kathleen, as a Stingerette.  Later he wore the Utley Wolves gear as he cheered for Sam and Molly Kate’s middle school teams. One of his favorite activities had been taking Sam and Molly Kate to the A&M campus at College Station, where he was so proud to show his love of all things Aggie!  Clarence was a charter member of the Rockwall County A&M Club in 1987.  He worked tirelessly to raise money for student scholarships through an annual golf tournament that he co-chaired for numerous years. His efforts were recognized when the club honored him by endowing an annual scholarship in his name. Clarence worked as an engineer for Texas Utilities for 25 years until retiring in 1992.  During his career, he was elected to the Engineering Board of New Mexico State University and served for many years. Upon retirement and with a new name, “Papa C”, Clarence bought and operated a ranch in Hico, Texas. Friends and hunters loved to visit the Broken C Ranch but, his favorite ranch hands were always his grandchildren, Sam and Molly Kate.

Clarence was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.  He was a charter member of both the RISD Education Foundation’s Grandparents Century Club, as well as The Victory Club of the RHS Jacket Backers.  Clarence was also a member of the Friends of the Library and the Rockwall County Historical Foundation.  Fishing, hunting and raising cattle were among his favorite hobbies over the years. But, it will be the bountiful gardens that his friends will remember him most.  Clarence was known for his generous gifts of squash, cucumbers, onions, and, of course, his world famous tomatoes!

Clarence is survived by his wife of 48 years, Leigh (Putman) Plagens, whom he met in Rome, Italy where they were both attending the Ordination of their brothers, James and Dennis; daughter: Kathleen Evans & husband Ron of Rockwall, TX; brothers: Milton Plagens & wife Albina of San Angelo, TX, Frank Plagens & wife Cathy of Richardson, TX, Robert Plagens & wife Cathy of Bryan, TX, James Plagens of Midland, TX, Earl Plagens & wife Sheila of Colorado City, TX, Ed Plagens & wife Bernadette of Garden City, TX, and Donald Plagens & wife Lynn of Hamilton, TX; sister: Alice Lero of Bryan, TX; and grandchildren: Sam and Molly Kate Evans.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Norman Plagens.  Clarence is also survived by his second family: brothers-in-law: Dennis Putman and wife Jane, David Putman and wife Treat, Tim Putman all of Birmingham, AL, Jon Putman and wife Nancy of Fort Worth, TX and sister-in-law Mary Holden and husband Frank also of Birmingham, AL.  Clarence and his family are deeply thankful for the outstanding medical care he received for the last three years and for the comforting care of Faith Presbyterian Hospice at the end of his life.

A memorial mass will be held 11:00am Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. There will be a Night of Remembrance at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Chapel Monday from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rockwall County A&M Club, PO Box 214, Rockwall, TX 75087.