Clarence Manual Santos

Clarence "Corky" Manual Santos Clarence "Corky" Manual Santos went home to be with the Lord peacefully on October 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Kingsburg, California. He was born to Frank H. Santos and Germina Nunes Santos on their dairy farm in Lanare, California, on July 31, 1927. Clarence's father and grandparents on his mother's side were Portuguese immigrants from the Azores. He was the seventh of eleven children, and like his father, Clarence was a dairyman. As a young teen, while his older brothers were fighting in World War II, he accepted responsibility for much of the farm's daily operations. He milked the cows twice a day, rising long before dawn and working into the evening after school. Even with all his responsibilities, he took time to act out exciting, funny stories in the milk barn to entertain his younger siblings. He had names for all his cows, an impressive feat of memory for him and them. The faith, love of family, strength, energy, work ethic, and integrity he showed at a young age continued throughout his life. He was a steady and dedicated provider - a real man. Clarence proudly served in the Korean War as part of the Army Artillery force. He trained at Ft. Ord, California, and Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, before being shipped off to Korea. After his tour, he returned to California where he worked as a dairyman. He soon met the love of his life, Lena Eleanor Freitas. During their courtship, they enjoyed singing together along with friends and family in the choir at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Fresno. Soon after marrying, they purchased a farm in Kingsburg and started a family there, where Clarence was active in the community for 63 years. A member of Holy Family Catholic Church, he enjoyed regularly singing in the choir with his daughters and granddaughters. He supported Lena and his daughters as they taught catechism classes. He served in many ways for the church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He described his trip to the Holy Land with local parishioners and priests as deeply moving. Clarence was devoted to his wife and family. He consistently attended his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, concerts, and other activities. He spent many hours of quality time with each one, sharing God's creation and doing special things for them. Many memorable times were spent enjoying his family at his son and daughter-in-law's home in Hanford. He served many years with his wife Lena as a Kings County 4-H community and county leader, as well as a leader in the Riverbend Grange. They joined with other close friends from Kingsburg to form the XLNTI catering group, which donated all proceeds to charity. They also helped organize the Kingsburg High School (KHS) music boosters, served in the Hanford Garden Club, and volunteered with the PTA and many community events. Clarence enjoyed singing with the Kingsmen Chorus Barbershop Choir in Hanford for many years. He was a lifetime fan of the KHS Viking and Fresno State Bulldog sports teams. Clarence's life was marked by faith, kindness, laughter, and fun. He was loved by his family and community. His talents included vegetable and flower gardening, teaching, cooking, singing, and telling a great story, as well as expertise in the art and science of dairy and agriculture. His gregarious laugh and booming baritone voice were recognizable wherever they were heard. He was caring to people and animals. Always ready with a hug, his smile and sense of humor made others feel loved, welcomed, and accepted. He also loved to dance - especially the polka! He is survived by his sisters Rose Stephens, Ruth Cunha, and Dolores Negrete; brother Robert Santos; brother-in-law Joseph Freitas and wife Kathy; sons and daughters-in-law William and Bergen Santos, and Brian and Joy Santos; daughters Judy Santos and Jennifer Santos; grandchildren Michael Campbell, Amanda Escoto and husband Estevan, Amber Santos and fiance John Durso, Madison Rossi and husband Christian, Morgan Santos, Jade Nansel, Julia Nansel, Crystal Nansel, Joey Gabriano and wife Sarah, Emma Bader and husband Clarke; great-grandson Joaquin Escoto; and many nieces and nephews. Clarence was preceded in glory by parents Frank and Germina Santos; brothers Herman Santos (Dorothy), Frank Santos, Jr. (Elaine), Ed Santos (Olivia), and Manual Santos; sisters Adeline Kandarian (Al) and Velma Santos; brothers-in-law John Ramos, Al Cunha, Jess Negrete, and Frank Freitas (Beverly); sisters-in-law Mary Freitas and Helen Surber (Siegfried); and loving wife Lena Santos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the international mission of Fr. David Beaumont at missionsantaines.org Visitation and viewing will be on Wednesday, October 18, from 4 to 6 pm at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg, followed by the Rosary at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1275 Smith St, Kingsburg, at 7 pm. The funeral Mass will be at the church on Thursday, October 19, at 10 am, followed by a graveside service at Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E Clarkson Ave, Kingsburg. There will be a luncheon to follow at the church. All are welcome. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Clarence Manual Santos

July 31, 1927 - October 7, 2023