William "Clarence" Heilig, 94, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Saturday evening, December 17, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Society in Winfield.

Born September 14, 1917 in Stark City, Missouri he was the son of William A. and Sarah Ethel (Payne) Heilig. He was raised and received his education Carthage, Missouri.

Clarence proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He served as a cannoneer and a cook during the war. He received many medals while in the war including: the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal; the American Service Medal; the World War II Victory Medal; the Good Conduct Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Service Star. He was honorable discharged and returned to Winfield.

Clarence was united in marriage to Edna C. Orbison on March 17, 1943 in San Diego, California. The couple made their home in Winfield where Clarence worked for the City of Winfield. He began his career in the Sanitation Department and later transferred to the Water Department where he remained until his retirement in 1980. After retiring they moved to Cambridge. Edna preceded him in death on September 11, 1993.

Clarence married Helen Booe on December 31, 1994 at the Praise Cathedral Church of God in Winfield.

He was a member of the Praise Cathedral Church of God in Winfield. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, flowers, walking and playing dominoes, cards and checkers.

His family includes:
His wife: Helen Heilig of Winfield;
His sons: Dwain Heilig and wife, Rebecca of Arkansas City; Charles Heilig of Arkansas City;
His daughters: Bonnie Griffiths and husband, Lloyd of Wichita; Katherine Simmons of Newton;
His stepsons: Terry Sweet and wife, Barbara of Winfield; Tom Sweet and wife, Karen of Winfield; Tony Sweet and wife, Vicki of Willis, TX;
His sisters: Bernice Lane of Webb City, MO; Betty Tomlin of Lebanon, OR; and
His 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

In addition to his first wife and parents, Clarence was preceded in death by 3 brothers: Ralph Heilig; Luther Heilig; Mack Denison; 2 sisters: Imogene Stafford; Beatrice Heilig; and a granddaughter: Lorrie Suzanne Heilig.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Miles Funeral Service in Winfield. Inurnment with military honors will be held at Cambridge Cemetery on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors at this time.

Memorials have been established in Clarence's name for the Praise Cathedral Church of God and for the Good Samaritan Society in Winfield. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.