Marvin Bruce

Clarence Marvin Bruce, age 84, passed away Thursday, January 3, 2013 at his residence in Bartow of heart failure. Born June 25, 1928 in Chauncey, GA, Mr. Bruce has been a resident of Bartow for 77 years, moving from Georgia. He was a Postal Clerk for the U.S. Postal Service for 29 years. He was a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant of WW II & Korea. He was a member and Deacon of the Bartow Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He served with the Bartow Police auxiliary for over 30 years; He was a Past Commander and Life member of the Bartow American Legion Post 3, serving with the Post Honor Guard, and helped fund the Bruce-Brogdon Legion Hall; He was a life member of the Masonic Tuscan Lodge #6 F&AM, Bartow. He was a Bartow Little League Baseball coach for many years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Brogdon Bruce. He is survived by two sons: Dennis Bruce (Sarah) of Bartow & Wayne C. Bruce (Lynn) of Miami; three daughters: Barbara J. Spann (Ron), & Kelly B Thurn (Jeffery) both of Lakeland and Cathy B. Gooding of Bartow; 13 grandchildren & 11 great grand children. Family will receive friends Sunday, January 6, 2013 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, 650 E. Main St, Bartow, Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bartow Wildwood Cemetery with military honors.