Deacon Clarence "Butch" Amos, former diocesan director of Permanent Deacons, died Wed., Jan. 25.
Dcn. Amos, the most senior ordained deacon in the Diocese of Fort Worth, was born May 4, 1920 in Fredonia, Kansas. He had attended the University of Kansas, Tarrant County Junior College, and Oklahoma City College of Law, and also served in the United States Air Force for 23 years before retiring as a major.
Dcn. Amos was a part of the first permanent deacon class in the diocese, formed in conjunction with candidates from the Diocese of Dallas. He was ordained to the diaconate on June 3, 1978 by then-Bishop John Cassata at St. Patrick Cathedral.
As a deacon, he had served at St. Paul Parish in Fort Worth from 1978-1984, and at St. Peter Parish in White Settlement from 1984-1986, before taking on the role as director of Permanent Deacons from 1986-1991. In addition to parish ministry, he also served as a volunteer chaplain at DFW Airport, diocesan Scouting chaplain, and as associate chaplain for Knights of Columbus Council 4191 in Fort Worth.
Dcn. Amos is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by his daughter, Terilee Steelman and husband, Dr. Ronald Steelman, of North Carolina; sons, Stephen and wife, Sharon, of Wimberly; Patrick and wife, Nancy of Plano; Daniel and wife, Jana, of Plano; Michael and wife, Judy, of Fort Worth; Christopher and wife, Gail, of Aledo; and Peter and wife, Betsy, of Georgia; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A vigil service was held Monday, Jan. 30, at Holy Family Church in Fort Worth. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. Tues., Jan. 31, at Sacred Heart Church in Fredonia, Kansas. Following the Mass at Sacred Heart, his cremated remains will be laid to rest at his hometown cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the local charity of one’s choice.
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