Clarence A. Phalen

Age 82 of Fairfield passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at his residence. He was born September 12, 1924 in Kanawha Co., WVA, the son of Clarence Arthur and Della (Butler) Phalen. In 1960 Bugs married Madeline Cook in WVA, she later preceded him in death on December 2, 2006. He was a decorated WWII Navy Veteran. Bugs was a recipient of : the Distinguished Flying Cross; 6 air medals; the Bronze Star; and the Philippine Liberation Medal.

Bugs and Madeline moved their young family in 1965 to Fairfield, OH and began selling Volkswagens. Later they moved south on Rt. 4 and opened, Phalen Motors, the first new car dealership in Fairfield. Bugs became an active business owner and took membership in many service and fraternal organizations including: the Lions Club; Fairfield Rotary; and the Fairfield Optimist Club. As a result of his community service and involvement, Bugs gained a great passion for helping to grow the young City of Fairfield. In 1976 Bugs was elected Mayor of the City of Fairfield. Throughout his tenure as Mayor, Bugs had many accomplishments for his community. His proudest achievement was securing the purchase of the Fairfield Golf Course, which later became known as Fairfield Greens and the Clarence A. Phalen Recreation Center. Bugs was a long-time member of the Butler County Republican Party, serving as Chairman of the Central Committee. Mr. Phalen was member: of the Benjamin Franklin Lodge, No. 719 F. & A.M.; Hamilton Council No. 19, R. & S. M.; Hamilton Chapter No. 21, R.A.M.; Hamilton Commandery No. 41, K.T.; and Valley of Cincinnati Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

He is survived by his children, Terry Phalen of New York, Jill (Kevin) Reardon, Clarence "Bugsy" Phalen, III, Jean (Tim) Meyers, and Jo Beth (Scott) Yambrich; grandchildren, Ben and Brett Phalen, Bryan and Katie Reardon, Tanner, Connor and McKenna "KK" Madeline Meyers, and Spencer Yambrich; sisters, Betty Simms, Gloria (Bill) Pruitt, and Julia Bernosky. Bugs was preceded in death by his parents; and wife.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2006 at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield. Entombment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home with Benjamin Franklin Lodge, No. 719 F.&A.M. service at 7:30 p.m. followed by Scottish Rite Ring service. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to be made for a standing memorial at the Fairfield Greens Golf Course. These donations may be made to Phalen Memorial Fund c/o any US Bank branch or mailed to US Bank, 563 Patterson Blvd., Fairfield, OH 45014. Also, the family will accept condolences at www.avancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

5-8 p.m., Friday, December 29, 2006 @ Avance Funeral Home

Service

10 a.m., Saturday, December 30, 2006 @ Avance Funeral Home