Clarence William Hickman entered this world on April 29, 1931 in Kansas City, Missouri.  His parents William & Minnie Hickman; brother, Floyd McCoy, Sr.; sister, Wilhelmina Hickman; son, Curtis Dixon, Sr.; grandson, Curtis Dixon, Jr.; and namesake grandson, Clarence William Moss are waiting for him across the distant shore.

Clarence was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri Public Schools, attending R.T. Coles Vocational High School where he studied shoe repair.  He excelled in sports, particularly football, where he was the team captain.

He answered the call of duty and enlisted in the United States Marines Corps during the Korean War.  He served from 1949-1960, both as an active serviceman and in the reserves.

In 1954, he married the love of his life Beatrice Phillips.  This union was blessed with one child.

Clarence began his professional career as a Meter Reader with the Kansas City Water Department.  He immediately applied for the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department when he learned they were hiring minorities.  He had found his passion.  Clarence was an all-around Fire Fighter, learning everything he could about fighting fires and administering first aide.  He was a Driver on the Pump & Ladder Truck, a Driver for the Battalion Chief, and retired with the rank of Captain.  Clarence received several certificates of commendation for service above and beyond duty.  In addition to being a Fire Fighter, he also worked as a Welder for Hohenschild Welding Company, a Security Guard at Martin Luther King, Jr. Hospital, a Youth Counselor at McCune's Home for Boys and a licensed Funeral Director for E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.

Clarence was a dedicated member of Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church for over 60 years.  He served as chairman of the Steward Board, Preacher's Steward, General Claims Steward, co-chairperson of the Steering Committee for Metropolitan Day and Escort for the Presiding Bishop and Class Leader.  He was a member of the Adult Usher Board, Senior Choir, Male Chorus and served in the Caring & Sharing Ministry.

Clarence loved to play cards, especially Bid Whist and Dominoes.  He could solve every puzzle of Wheel of Fortune and name all the wrestlers on the Friday Night WWE Smack Down.  Clarence never lost his love of football and enjoyed watching his team, the Kansas City Chiefs, with his family and friends.  He was an avid bowler.  He once bowled a perfect game, leaving only one pin.  He wore his championship ring proudly.  Clarence was 33rd degree mason.

The legacy Clarence leaves, is his wife of 70 years, Beatrice Hickman; daughters, Catherine Moss, Beverly Armfield, and adopted daughter Sallie Mathis; son, Terence Griffin; grandchildren, Lori McDaniel (Timothy), Wayman Dixon (Monica), Lashana Dixon, Qiana Smocks, and Armthea Johnson and James Armfield; great-grandsons, Terence Moss, Desmand McDaniel (Zairra), Loren McDaniel, Timothy McDaniel, Jr.; great-great grandchildren, Olivia McDaniel, Miyah McDaniel, Zaryah McDaniel, Tavon McDaniel, Zahara McDaniel, Karter Wilsonb, Montrell Dixon, Kevon Dixon, Josiah Dixon, Sa'Myra Dixon, Parish Owens, Jasmine Armfield, Burrell Armfield, Christopher Armfield, Alex Armfield, Brosnan Armfield, Brandy Armfield; sisters-in-law, Jean Black, Vernetta Smith, Palita Robinson (Aron); God-daughter, Yolanda Jackson (Kaseem); nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.