Clarence Dinnen

Reverend Clarence Dinnen passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the age of 92.  Preceded in death by his loving wife Marjorie Dinnen and parents George and Dora Dinnen.  Devoted father of Clarence M. Dinnen (Joan), Jeffrey Dinnen (Sharon Stratton), Kirk Dinnen (Connie), and Lynn Williams (Edward).  Beloved grandfather of Stephen Dinnen (Katy), Susanna Silvers (Edward), Hannah Dinnen (Nick Fox), William Dinnen, Nathan Dinnen, Matthew Dinnen (Courtney), Anna Dinnen, and Sara Williams.  Dear great grandfather of Lillian Dinnen, Lillian Fox, and Lucas “Freddy” Fox.

Clarence met his wife Marjorie while they were both attending The Ohio State University, and they were married for almost 64 years.  After graduating with a D.V.M. from the Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine, he had a thriving veterinary practice in Port William for ten years.  He left his practice in response to a call into ministry, attended the Asbury Theological Seminary, and earned an M. Div. degree. Clarence served United Methodist congregations in Sardinia, Batavia, Greenfield, Middletown, and Bryan, Ohio. During his ministry he was also a “New Life Missioner” with the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, TN and preached in churches throughout the Midwest. He officiated at hundreds of baptisms, marriages, and funerals; and led the God-centered life of a full-time minister for many years. He was the real deal:  He lived his convictions, spent time in daily contemplation and Bible study, led prayers, and reminded others of the constant and abiding strength found in God.

Clarence was one of a kind and a tremendous role model for fully living and loving the life we are given.  He was deeply caring, friendly, and sociable.  He never met a stranger and was truly interested in others’ lives.  He also had an exceptionally sharp mind and a life-long curiosity and interest in learning and trying new things.  Among his special interests were veterinary medicine (he kept his license until he was 91 and was signed up to audit courses when he died); music (he played trombone in the Greene County Concert Band, the Cedarville University Symphonic Orchestra, and a small band he put together); was an active member of the Port William Lions Club; and farming (he enjoyed living on the family farm for his last 30 years and managing the annual  agricultural cycle).  He also was a woodworker who handcrafted gifts for his children and grandchildren over the years.

We were blessed to have Clarence in our lives.  We will think of him with the deepest love and admiration and honor his memory for the rest of our lives.  Thank you for everything, Clarence.  Breathe easy.

Family will receive friends at Port William Church (241 Main Street, Port William, Ohio) on Monday, March 4, 2024, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, when a funeral service will commence. Burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Bowersville. Arrangements have been entrusted to Littleton Funeral Home.