Clarence Olmstead, an eight year resident of Whitman Health and Rehab of Colfax, Washington, died Wednesday, May 15th, 2013. Clarence was ninety-three years old.

Clarence was born February 12, 1920 in Greenacres, Washington. He was the fifth child of Earl and Pearl Olmstead. His mother died when Clarence was two weeks old. He attended Central Valley High School in Veradale, Washington.

He followed his brother, Harold, to Cascade Locks, Oregon where they both worked on Bonneville Dam.

Clarence married Florence Moore of Hood River, October 11, 1941. Their son, Steve, was born February 11, 1945. Both have preceded Clarence in death.

Clarence was a decorated WWII veteran. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Service Star for heroic action during the Battle of the Bulge. Although he was severely wounded, he managed to crawl along a roadside drain ditch and warn the approaching armored division of a bridge that was armed with bombs.

He was an electrician in Hood River for many years. Clarence was of great service to our community both professionally and personally; following World War II when our local Japanese families were not allowed to shop in the Hood River stores, his mother-in-law, Arline Winchell Moore would do their shopping and Clarence would deliver their groceries after dark.

Survivors include his nephew, Charles Olmstead, LaCrosse; Carol Huntley Cohen, Mt Vernon and Anita Dawson, Spokane Valley, all in Washington.

A funeral service is planned for 1:00 p.m., July 13th, 2013 at Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.