Clarence Eugene Lamoureux Jr.

March 19, 1936 — March 14, 2025

Clarence Lamoureux

Service Details

Clancy was born March 19, 1936 in New Orleans. He is preceded in death by Mother (Jean), Father (Clarence) his two Sisters (Jeanette and Suzie), and his love (Marilyn Baker). His parents came from New York, and his father worked the United States Weather Bureau. Their family was transferred to New Orleans, LA, San Leandro, CA, Arlington, VA, (1941–1945 at the Pentagon during World War II), Raleigh, NC, and then to Des Moines, IA in 1948.

He attended Roosevelt High School, earned an AA degree from Grandview College, a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Bradley University, and a Masters in Education at Drake University. He was previously married and is survived by his two children; Daughter (Laurie) and her two children (Larkin and Helena), his Son (Jay), and his 3rd Greyhound rescue (Captain Midnight).

Clancy taught fourth grade for 32 years in Des Moines Public Schools. He also worked for a company that made ordering systems for drive-in restaurants, where he assembled amplifiers and switchboards, and John Deere.

A well-known banjo fanatic, Clancy was the banjo player at Shakey’s Pizza in Des Moines for nine years, then headed The Banjo Revival for 29 years, playing The Iowa State Fair for 10 years, and other local celebrations. His passions included music (banjo, piano, guitar, stand-up bass, ukuleles and more), racing sailboats with Des Moines Sailing Club, and racing his amazing sports cars with Sports Car Club of America. He loved fishing with his buddies at Lake of the Woods in Canada for 40 years, camping, creating stained glass lamps and murals, and so much more. He had a passion for collecting cast iron banks and toys, sheet music, banjos, Louis Icart prints, “No Spitting” signs, pedal cars, the steamboat The Delta Queen, and as he would say “dust”.

Clancy was a lively, loving, interesting and outgoing gentleman. He was complex and a great thinker. His wonderful sense of humor offered a joke or comedic saying for every occasion. The love and gifts he offered while here will always be cherished by his audiences, community and family.

To honor his memory, take a walk with the dog, go fishing or get out in nature, listen to some good New Orleans jazz standards (start with the band Tuba Skinny), or if inclined, donate to your favorite animal shelter.

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