Lawrence Phillip Clarkston

Lawrence Phillip Clarkston, age 85, of Jefferson City, was called to eternal life on Monday, November 23, 2020, at Capital Region Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 5, 1935, in Centralia, Missouri to John Wesley and Johanna (Jennie) Holzer Clarkston. Lawrence was united in marriage to Helen Marie Berendzen on November 4, 1961 at Our Lady of the Snows Church in Mary's Home. Helen Marie passed away on February 27, 2013. They had a beautiful marriage that lasted over 51 years. He was a 1954 graduate of Eugene High School. Lawrence enlisted into the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 1958. Lawrence held a variety of jobs in his lifetime. He worked at the McGraw-Edison factory and with the Roy Scheperle Construction Co. He became a well-known landscaper/nurseryman and worked at Popp's Lawn and Garden for a number of years before becoming employed with the City of Jefferson Street Dept. as their nurseryman. He was responsible for taking care of the trees located on city property, notably the trees lining High Street. He retired from the City in 1993. He also worked for a number of businesses and households caring for their landscaping needs on weekends and evenings. Lawrence was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 66 years. He was instrumental in establishing the St. Michael's Council #8916 in Russellville, and served in several offices including Grand Knight. He later became the area's District Deputy and a State committee chairman. In 1993, he was selected as a delegate to the Supreme Convention held in Pittsburgh, Pa. Lawrence was also active with youth work. He worked alongside his wife in the Eager Elves 4-H club, and taught in the CCD program at St. Peters Catholic Church for a number of years. Lawrence had a great love for the game of baseball. In his youth, he and several of his Mary's Home friends would travel around the small towns in mid-Missouri to play baseball against other town's teams. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and enjoyed many games at all three stadiums in St. Louis, and he rarely missed a televised game. His love of the game extended to watching his grandkids as they played. This activity brought him his greatest joy. His other hobbies included playing cards, going to riverboat casinos, decorating his home for Christmas and other holidays, and helping his wife with her "honey-do" and crafting projects. Lawrence is survived by his five children: Gregory Clarkston (Matt Dezan) of Columbia, Richard Clarkston (Connie) of Lohman, Pamela Jenkins (DeWayne) of Centertown, Kimberly Clarkston of Jeffeson City, and Andrea Koetting (Mitch) of Jefferson City; six grandchildren: Adam Jenkins (Melanie), Kallee Victor (Ryan), Benjamin Jenkins, Dakota Clarkston, Cameron Koetting, and Clark Koetting; and one great-grandchild: Ruby Jenkins. He is also survived by three brothers and two sisters: William Clarkston (Helen), Mary Jane Doerhoff (Ron), Wilburn Clarkston, Darrell Clarkston (Joyce), and Charyl Clarkston, all of Jefferson City. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Rita Clarkston of Jefferson City, Dorothy Berendzen and Margaret Ann Evers (Fred), both of Mary's Home; numerous nieces and nephews including a special niece, LouAnn Mertens (Rusty). In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Clarkston and Charles Clarkston; and three sisters, Evelyn Thoenen, Ruth Clarkston, and Louise Weed. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Saturday, November 28, 2020 with Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki, V.G. officiating. Interment followed in the St. Michael's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael's Building Fund or the Baysinger/Sone Memorial VFW Post 1003 Veterans Service Officers Program. Arrangements under the direction of WEBER-MILLARD Funeral Home, 13415 Route C, Russellville, MO 65074. (573) 782-3525. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com