Clarence Albert "Pete" Happel  of College Place, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 11, 2024, at St. Mary's Hospital in Walla Walla, Washington, at the age of 81.

Pete was born on June 2, 1943, to Clarence Everett "Happy or Hap" Happel and Emma Elenora (Wilson) Happel at the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri.  His childhood with his dad was an idyllic time of his life which he recalled fondly.

In August 1963 at the Frist Baptist Church in St. James, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Betty Jean Fanger.  Pete was baptized in the Christian Church in St. James. Unfortunately, when the church burned, the papers were lost.  This really bothered him so he was rebaptized at the First Assembly of God Church in Walla Walla, Washington.

Pete attended the St. James Elementary and the Meramec School in rural St. James where he graduated from the eighth grade.  He then attended John F. Hodge High School in St. James, Missouri, where he graduated, class of 1961.  Pete was an athlete in high school. He played basketball, softball, and track four years and was an Eagle Scout.  He and his three teammates; Jim Roberts, Dennis Hahn, and Lonnie Spurgeon, held a school record for the mile relay. In the fall of 1961, Pete attended Heavy Equipment Trade School in Greenfield, Indiana.  He graduated in December 1962.  Pete continued developing his childhood and high school friendships up until the time of his death.

Pete is survived by his wife, Betty, of 61 years, of the home in College Place, Washington; his daughter Patricia Ann Waring MD (George Robert "Bob" MD) of Walla Walla, Washington; his granddaughter Brianna Denae (Roy) Cate and children Kalena Ann "Kali" and Elijah Cole of Walla Walla, Washington; his granddaughter Ciara Nicole VanSlyke of Seattle, Washington, and special friend Immanuel "Manny" Smith; his grandson Jackson Albert VanSlyke of Walla Walla, Washington, and special friend Zoe Gannon;  "adopted" daughter Linda Kay (Schneider)Lain (Tracy) of Stover, Missouri;  his special aunt Thelma "Eileen" (Adams) Hughes, brothers and sisters-in-law, Louis Eugene and Irene Mamie (Fanger) Gorman and William Walter and Mary Alice (Fanger) Stotler, as well as his other relatives and  many other friends and classmates.

Pete was preceded in death by his daughter Brenda Lea; his parents Clarence and Emma (Wilson) Happel; his paternal grandparents Charles Louis "Lute" and Mary Elizabeth "Mollie' (Ledbetter) Happel; his maternal grandparents William "Bill" and Rosa Anna (Rosie)(Eggleston) Wilson; his father and mother-in-law Leo Henry and Mamie Mary(Gross) Fanger; his sister-in-law Grace Bernice (Fanger) Engelmeier; his brother-in-law Melvin Charles Engelmeier; his nephew Gary Wayne Engelmeier; his step-sister Jeanice Irene (Happel)(Robert) Powell; his "adopted" grandparents Earnest Edward and Lydia Virginia "Jennie" Adams; and cousin Everett Edward Fanger, and lifelong friend Gene M Matlock, Sr.

Throughout Pete's married life he was involved in many activities which involved his children and grandchildren.  He coached softball, basketball, and baseball.  He served on committees for Marching Band, Foreign Language Club, and Safe Saddle Club.  He was a member of the St. James PTA and Prospect Point Elementary PTA.  He volunteered at the Christian Aid Center and Prospect Point Elementary in Walla Walla, Washington.  Pete belonged to the St James Jaycees, St. James Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club, Cuba, Missouri, and the Elks Lodge in Rolla, Missouri, Forsyth, Missouri, Omaha, Nebraska, and Walla Walla, Washington.

Pete's hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping, travel, and watching sports, especially the St. Louis Cardinal's Baseball Team, the Kansas City Chiefs Football Team, and when Michael Jordan was a star player for the Chicago Bulls Basketball Team. He enjoyed country music concerts, listening to country music and whistling along with the songs.  He enjoyed watching western movies, especially John Wayne.  Another of his many favorite things, one he was especially good at, was bowling.  He was a member of several leagues, both men's and mixed.  His wife, Betty, was his forever mixed league partner and both he and they together brought home many championship trophies to commemorate their accomplishments.  Their time on the league was always filled with smiles, jesting, and lots of laughter.  But his favorite hobby was spending time with his family whom he dearly loved.

Pete worked as a painter for most of his life and later formed his own company, Happel Painting Incorporated.

Pete loved being around his family and friends.  He never met a stranger.  It was amazing how he could pick up a conversation with anyone, anywhere.  Pete loved his farm in rural St. James.  The animals were his delight, especially his horses, his quail hunting dog, Betsy, and the hybrid pigeons. If he found any stray or hurt animal, bird, etc., he would pick it up and bring it home.   In his "golden" years his special pet was a Boston Terrier named Jacklynn Tiara Tina Taz, "Tina" for short.  Pete and Tina will be buried together as per his wish.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri, on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM.  Visitation will be from 1-2 PM prior to the service. Interment will be in the family plot at the St. James Cemetery immediately following the service.

In tribute to Pete's memory, donations may be made to the St. James Sports Club to benefit children of all ages.

Online condolences may be shared at jonesfunerals.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.