Clarence S. Bax, age 82, of St. Elizabeth, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born in St. Elizabeth on January 24, 1926, son of the late Steve and Rose (Luetkemeyer) Bax. On May 8, 1948, in St. Elizabeth, he married Rita Christine Gerling, who preceded him in death on January 20, 2007.

Clarence was an Army veteran and served in Europe during World War II. After returning from the war he lived in St. Louis until moving back to St. Elizabeth in 1966. He also worked as a machinist for Edwards Equipment Company. Clarence was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth.

He is survived by four sons, John Bax and wife Marlene of Meta, Eugene Bax and wife Cindy of Ulman, James Bax and wife Brenda of Clayton, and Thomas Bax of St. Elizabeth; thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and five siblings, Ella Otto of St. Elizabeth, Stanley Bax of St. Elizabeth, Steve Bax Jr. of Wardsville, Emma McNew of Wardsville, and Jerline Morland of Jefferson City.

He was also preceded in death by one son, Joseph Bax; one daughter Kerry Booth; three brothers, Charlie Bax, Wilford Bax, and Walter Bax; and one sister, Mildred Lacey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2008, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Rev. Clarence Wiederholt will officiate. Interment with military honors under the direction of the Iberia VFW Post 6167 and American Legion Post 105 will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery in St. Elizabeth.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Lawrence Cemetery.