Clarence Shivers Obituary

Clarence Laudric Shivers was born on October 14, 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri, and departed this life February 17, 2007. His parents, Clarence and Flossie Shivers, and his two older sisters, Alice and Claryce preceded him in death. Clarence volunteered into the military during World War II. The high score he received on the entrance exam qualified him to be accepted into the elite Tuskegee Program, where the first black military pilots were being trained. He loved flying and always said he felt "at home" the first time he sat in a cockpit. After the war ended, Clarence concentrated on completing his education. He is a graduate of Summer High School in St. Louis and an honors graduate of Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where he received a BFA Degree. His senior project, a huge mural at the Carver Community Center in Peoria, is still in existence today. After college, Clarence taught art at Jackson State University until recalled to military service during the Korean War, when pilots were much needed. He remained in the Air Force until his retirement in 1969 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon retirement, he and his wife Peggy relocated to Madrid, Spain where they remained for ten years. Though a career military man, Clarence always maintained an active art studio. In Spain he was able to paint full time for the first time. He became well known throughout Europe for his paintings of Spanish Guardias and colorful abstracts. One of his paintings from this time was featured prominently in the film "A Piece of the Action", directed by Sydney Poitier. The Shivers returned to live in the United States in 1979, settling in Colorado Springs where Clarence established a studio and continued to pursue his artistic endeavors. He was commissioned by Miller Brewing Company to create their 1983 and 1986 historic calendars entitled "Civil Rights Leaders" and "Black Political Firsts" respectively. In 1985, Clarence was commissioned by the Hooks Jones Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen to sculpt a life-sized statue as a memorial to the Tuskegee Airmen. It was unveiled May of 1988 and stands proudly on the grounds of the USAFA. In 1993, Clarence and his wife established the African American Historical and Cultural Collection at Pikes Peak Library District. They also established the Shivers Fund at the Library, which supports a concert series and encourages young people in the arts by awarding grants and providing educational opportunities. Clarence is survived by his wife, Peggy; two daughters, Saundra Jenkins (St. Louis, MO) and Karen Shivers (Seattle, WA); and two sons, Carver Shivers (Houston, TX) and Hugh Flake (Ft. Worth, TX); two nephews, six grand children, two great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren as well as a host of cousins and dear friends. He will be greatly missed by all. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sat, March 3 at Sunrise United Methodist Church located on Briargate Blvd. near Union. Inurnment will take place at the United States Air Force Academy immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shivers Fund at Pikes Peak Library District, Peoples United Methodist Church, or Pikes Peak Hospice.