Clarence "CJ" Joseph Hotfelt

Clarence “CJ” Hotfelt, 92, of Afton passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017 at The Communities of Wildwood Ranch in Joplin, Missouri. CJ was born on February 2, 1925 in Algiers, Louisiana. At the age of 17 CJ answered his countries call of duty, with his mothers permission he enlisted in the US Navy. He served in the World War ll Pacific Campaign, Marshall Islands. Like many of the greatest generation he spoke little of his war time experiences. Occasionally he would share the perils of transferring mail bags in and out of the front lines. After the war CJ returned home to New Orleans. Clarence loved people, so driving a city bus in downtown New Orleans at the age of 21 was the perfect job. His smile and “welcome aboard”was a bright spot for many of his passengers. One passenger in particular that he looked forward to seeing everyday was a beautiful young lady named Mary Louise, soon after they became husband and wife. In the 1950’s the country needed CJ’s skills again, he enlisted in the US Air Force where he served the 68th field maintenance squadron Strategic Air Command. Assignments took CJ and his family to many locations, including Panama. His final tour was Vietnam. Clarence retired from the Air Force in 1971. From his last base in Duluth MN, Clarence and Mary decided after a short visit with his Air Force buddy Arthur Morgan and family, they realized that Afton would a great place to raise the family. Shortly after Clarence went to work for McDonald Douglas in Tulsa where he ultimately retired and began his 20 year passion for travel in his RV’s. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary louise Hotfelt (Tourelle), great-grandson, Keagan Bro. Survivors include his sons, Rodrick Hotfelt of Tulsa, Mark Hotfelt of Oologah, Tammy Hotfelt Bro and husband Mike of Miami, Susan Hotfelt McCoy and Roger of Jenks, and Kenneth “Keko” Hotfelt and wife Lori of Talala. Other survivors include grandchildren Jeremiah Bro, Christopher Hotfelt, Megan McCoy, Lachelle Eckhart, Jessica Bro, Madelyn Willman and Kaleb Hotfelt. Great granddaughter Sawyer Bro and great grandson Ridley Bro. Visitation is Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Afton. Graveside Services are 11:00 AM on Wednesday at Sixkiller Cemetery in Afton under the care of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Service . Friends and Family may send the family notes of encouragement by viewing Mr. Hotfelt’s Tribute Page at www.brown-winters.com. The Family is requesting in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Folds of Honor foundation 5800 N. Patriot Drive, Owasso, Oklahoma 74055. 918-274-4700, www.foldsofhonor.org.

Clarence "CJ" Joseph Hotfelt

February 2, 1925 - June 26, 2017