Clarence C. Creamean

  On Friday, July 8, 2022, Clarence Creamean, loving husband and proud father and grandfather, passed away at age 88 after a long and hard-fought battle with lung cancer. 

  Clarence was born on April 19, 1934, in Streator, IL to Peter and Anna (Martin) Creamean. Since childhood, he has been known as Kum, a derivative for a Slovak term for “little buddy”. 

  He attended St. Stephen’s School and Streator Township High School. From 1952-1955, he served in the U.S. Navy as a radar man for the inaugural crew of the USS John S. McCain and as one of only 200 Navy enlistees selected for the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard representing the service in presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies. 

  After completing his business administration degree from Northern Illinois University in 1960, he returned to Streator and began his career in management with Owens-Illinois. He retired in 1992 as head of the shipping department. 

  On August 23, 1958, Clarence married Barbara Harcharik, his wife of nearly 64 years. They raised children Karyn (Dr. Gary) Rolfe, Maryville, TN; Craig Creamean, New Lenox, IL; Daniel (Heather) Creamean, Winnetka, IL; and Jill (Robert) Rees, Portland, OR. Clarence and Barbara enjoyed a long retirement, spending time with their family, gardening, and traveling. 

   He is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren Michael McDermaid, Cory Rolfe, Terry Edwards, Abbey Creamean, Charlie Creamean, Alex Creamean, and John Creamean; great-grandchildren Ellie McDermaid, Sophia McDermaid, Carter Rolfe and Katie Edwards; and siblings Betty (Joe) Savage, Ed (Pat) Creamean, Ken (Jan) Creamean, and Vicki Cali; and many nieces and nephews. Clarence was predeceased by his older sister Florence, who died in infancy, and his parents. 

  He was a member of the former St. Anthony’s Church and later St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion in Streator and also served as a board member of the Notre Dame Club of Starved Rock. 

  Kum was always active in sports, playing basketball and softball in the Navy and in O-I leagues. He had a 19-0 Navy boxing record. When he hung up his glove, he was one of the oldest players in the Streator Men’s Slow-Pitch League. He also participated in many years of league bowling. He loved cheering at his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and was a staunch supporter of Notre Dame sports and the Chicago White Sox. He also enjoyed meeting with his friends at the American Legion and playing cards.  

   He will be deeply missed but his strength of character, resiliency, and high expectations will continue to inspire the family he loved so much. 

  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 15, 2022 at Solon-Telford Funeral Home.  The rosary will be recited at 8:45 a.m.  Due to Covid 19 the family requests that everyone wear a mask for the services.

  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church with burial following at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. 

  Full military rites will be accorded by members of the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492.

  Pallbearers will be grandsons, Michael McDermaid, Charlie Creamean, Alex Creamean, John Creamean and nephews, Randy Savage, Joe Creamean and Tim Creamean.

  Memorials may be directed to the St. Vincent’s DePaul Society, the American Cancer Society or charity of the donor’s choice. 

  Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.solontelford.com.

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