Clarence E. Miles, 87 of Spearfish, SD died January 23 2011, at the Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Medical Center.



Clarence was born November 20,1923 to George and Mary Miles of Lead S.D. He graduated from Lead high school in 1942 and soon after enlisted in the Navy where he served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After service with the Navy he attended Black Hills Teachers college Graduating in 1948. Clarence was married to Gwendoline (Friel) Miles September 18, 1947, enjoying nearly 54 years together. To this union six children were born.



Clarence started teaching at Todd County High School in Winner S.D. after completion of his Masters degree the family moved to Clara City, MN. Where he was principal of schools until the end of the 1959 school year at which time he became the principal at Clarkfield Minn. After Six years in Clarkfield, Clarence became principal at South Hamilton School District in Jewell Iowa. Leaving Jewell in 1972 he became the principal at Lewis Central Community Schools in Council Bluffs IA where he retired from Education in 1980. Clarence not one to slow down opened and ran a dairy store for a time in Atlantic IA until 1985 when Clarence and Gwen moved to Spearfish for full time retirement.



Clarence will be remembered for being a committed and selfless volunteer. He was a 33 degree Scottish rite, a member of over 60 years of the Spearfish Masonic Lodge, a member of the Northern Hills Shrine, a past president of the Society of Black Hills Pioneers and past president of Jesters and the Flying Aces.



He is survived by his children, George (Bill) Miles of Burlington, IA; Melvin Miles of Mason, OH; David Miles of Ellicott City MD; Nancy George of Farmington, NM; Mary Radford of Sturgis SD; Julie Lewis of Spearfish SD; 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and three sisters.



Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on January 27 at at All Angels Episcopal Church in Spearfish, SD, with burial to follow in the spring at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.



In lew of flowers the family would like donations in Clarence's name be sent either to Northern Hills Shrine Transportation fund for Crippled Children Or the Fort Meade Medical Center Hospice Care Unit, at 113 Comache Rd Fort Meade, SD 57741.



Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.