Clarence R. Tevis, 71, of Seneca, KS, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca. He had been in failing health for the past year.

He was born July 23, 1928, in Chillicothe, MO, the son of Thurman M. and Lecta Ramsey Tevis. Clarence graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1946 and worked operating the projector at the local theater. He also worked for a short time in Kansas City.

On December 4, 1947, he married Corinne Abernathy in Chillicothe. She survives of the home in Seneca.

Clarence was a longtime employee at various locations and in various capacities for JC Penney Company. In 1947 he started at JC Penney’s in Chillicothe, working five years there. He was then transferred to a South Omaha store, where he was assistant manager.

In 1962 he was transferred to the Penney’s Store in Seneca where he was the manager until the store closed in 1987. Over his career he was recognized many times with sales awards from the JC Penny Company for his dedication and service. He retired after the Seneca store closed.

He was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Seneca, where he previously served on the Board of Deacons. He also had served on the Board of Directors of the Citizens State Bank and was a past president of the Seneca Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors besides his wife Corinne are a son, Steven Tevis of Normal, IL; a daughter, Connie Johnson of Lee’s Summit, MO; a brother, Robert Tevis of Bloomington, IL; two sisters, Betty Robinson of Edmond, OK and Mary Lou Mc Irvin of Chillicothe; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Saturday, May 27, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The eulogy was given by his granddaughter Kelly Johnson. Burial was at the Seneca City Cemetery.

Memorials may be given for the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Seneca, and sent in care of the family.