Carolyn M. Clennon, age 86, passed away at her home on October 10, 2024, with her devoted husband by her side. She was born on March 13, 1938, to Charles H. and Helen M. Holbrook in Oklahoma City, OK.
She married Gene Brannen at a young age in 1955 and had one son, Robert. In 1958 she married Donald O’Donnell and of that marriage she had two children, Ronald Lee and Donna Carol. In April 1977 she married the love of her life, James (Jim) Clennon, and they spent 47 happy and fun-filled years together. They had no children together, but together they had six wonderful and much-loved children.
Carolyn lived a fulfilling life full of love and excitement. She traveled extensively as an Air Force dependent, not only in the United States, but also in Europe. She held a great assortment of interesting jobs throughout the years – she loved being in the workforce. She was a purchasing agent for the forest service in New Mexico and worked in secretarial positions in a number of professional offices including many doctor’s offices and healthcare institutions in various states. She always preferred working in the healthcare industry. In 1983, upon Jim’s retirement from the Air Force, they returned to Laramie, WY. She worked for 16 years at Ivinson Memorial Hospital, first as Human Resources Assistant and then Recruiter, and retired in 2000. She and Jim moved to Tecumseh, MO to be closer to family. They planned to travel a lot and just enjoy retirement, but that did not last long. She got bored with retirement and went back to work again in 2004 at the Henry & Williams Law Firm and worked in that office for 14 years until she retired a 2nd time at age 80. They then returned to their home in Laramie. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her throughout the years.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters Donna Thomason (Allen) of Sims, IL and Carrie Infinger (Chris) of Lynn Haven, FL; sons Mark Thomas (Tina) of Cabot, AR and Bart Clennon of Georgia; brothers Leon Holbrook (Dorothy) of Enid, OK and Leonard Holbrook (Darlene) of Bradenton, FL; six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and her much loved hairy kids, Poncho and Lefty.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen Holbrook; sons Ronald O’Donnell and Robert Brannen; brothers Clinton Holbrook and Wilbur Holbrook; brother-in-law, Michael Clennon; sisters-in-law Betty Holbrook, Irene Holbrook, Thelma Holbrook, Sherry Clennon, and Monica Clennon; and father and mother-in-law Byron and Elsie Clennon.
Cremation has taken place and services will be announced at a later date.
Dear Jim and family, I was sorry to read of Carolyn's passing. I always loved seeing her, and you, at IMH. She was always so friendly, cheerful, and upbeat. I know she will be missed. Sally and Will Grimes
Oh Godfather I am so sorry. Such a special lady and could whop your ass at the drop of a hat. Haven has a new angel. Love you!
Jim-I was so sad to hear of Carolyn’s passing. It was my pleasure to know her. You were such an important advocate for her. Thank you for making sure she had Snickers Blizzard recently. Glad that she and I could hash out that Snickers is the superior Blizzard! My love and prayers to you and all her family.
What a lovely lady Carolyn was. I worked with her at Ivinson and have many wonderful memories several of laughter that brought us to tears. Our deepest condolences to Jim and the rest of her family . Rest in peace dear lady.
What a life well lived! I was honored to meet Carolyn just once, but she made a lasting impression. I am sure we would have been best friends had we had more time. My heart hurts for Jim, her children and her fur babies too. Rest in peace, Carolyn, you have earned it. ❤