Clarence Coss

Clarence Pearson Coss (Sonny), age 82, of Grand Forks ND was lifted to heaven by angels Thereasa (known to Clarence as Momma) and Amber on Thursday, December 3rd, 2009. Clarence P. Coss also known as C.P., Sonny and Squeaks, was born on August 15, 1927 in Grand Forks to parents Charles Witcomb Coss and mother Ethel (Raymond) Coss. Clarence was raised by maternal grandparents Edgar and Sarah Coss and his loving Uncle Clarence G. Coss all of Grand Forks. Clarence was married to Thereasa M. Jenkins, from Oslo, MN on August 31, 1947. Clarence proudly served with the Grand Forks Fire Department for 42 years and retired as a Captain. During his life, he also worked a couple of years with the Great Northern Railroad, owned and operated a nursery/greenhouse with his father, and bartended for his brothers nightclub, the Frontier Bar in Grand Forks, ND. Sonny loved to dance, and him and mamma, spent many a weekends dancing and enjoying themselves at the VFW, East Grand Forks Legion, Grand Forks Elks Club and East Grand Forks Eagles Club, they even won dance contests. Clarence and Momma loved to travel during the winter months and spent many years as "snowbirds" in Florida. During the summer, he and momma enjoyed spending their time on Big Turtle and Fox Lake in Minnesota and also tending to his summer plants and gardening. As an avid fisherman and hunter, Clarence enjoyed sharing these hobbies with his son-in-law and grandson's as they would travel to various parts of the state each season. Clarence and Thereasa were also long time members of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grand Forks. Clarence is survived by his two daughters, Cheryl E. (Jim) Smart, of Grand Forks; and daughter Marie L. (Edward) Mettler, of Beulah, ND. Grandson's Jamie (Paula) Smart of Aberdeen, SD and their children Brianna and Connor; Jeremy Smart of East Grand Forks, MN and his children Alexis and Kinsley; and Scot (Seanna) Smart of Grand Forks, ND and son Brody. Preceding Clarence in death was his beloved wife, Therease M. (Jenkins). Parents, Charles Witcomb and Ethel (Raymond). Brothers, Charles (Bud) Coss, Jr. and William (Billy) of Grand Forks, ND. Sisters, Winnefried (Winnie) of Sacramento, CA and Dawn White of Kalama, WA. Special Grand Daughter-in-Law, Amber (Dahlen) Smart of East Grand Forks, MN. "I say" (as in Sonny's words) memorials can be made to Valley Eldercare Center.