Clarence William Phelps, Jr.

Clarence “Butch,” “Pop,” William Phelps, Jr. (80) died peacefully in his home in Crofton, Maryland, September 28, 2026, after suffering with bladder cancer. He was born to Clarence William Phelps, Sr. and Virginia Elizabeth (Spano) on December 19, 1945, in Ravenna, Ohio, the first of four children. He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Maxine Phelps; brothers, Mike and Ron Phelps; his beloved wife, Donna Phelps; son-in-law, Chris Kreunen; a stillborn daughter, and several miscarried children and grandchildren. He is survived by his cherished wife, Wilma Ortiz; stepchildren, John (Danielle) and Janina Ortiz; daughter, Beth Kreunen; son, Bryan (Christie) Phelps; 9 grandchildren, Evey, Bekah, Kriss, Keri, and C.J. Kreunen, Katelynn, Austin, Bryson, and Peyton Phelps; step-granddaughter, Ravenna Ortiz; sisters, Patti Phelps, Gloria (David) Coulson, Karen (Barry) Kaschner; brothers, Tom (Barb) , John (Laura) Phelps; sister-in-law, Sheila Phelps; many loved nieces and nephews, and too many friends to name.

Butch graduated from Southeast High School in 1963 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 years before retiring in June of 1983 as a technical sergeant. During his career in the Air Force, he was deployed to Viet Nam in support of the war from June 1966 to June 1967 and had tours to the Philippines from June 1967 through December 1968. After returning from the Philippines, he was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland for the entirety of his career except for one tour to Incirlik, Turkey from May of 1977 to May 1978. He took great pride in his work as evidenced by being highly regarded and sought after due to his above and beyond work ethic. On his commander’s request, he remained at Andrews as a Material Facilities Supervisor with the 89th Military Airlift Wing. He continued in the same area of expertise as a federal contractor after retiring from the Air Force. He was a proud member of the team assigned to Air Force 1, which allowed his wife and children visits on board the aircraft that flew Kennedy after his assassination and where Johnson was sworn into office. His service exemplified his thoughtful and hard-working character as he managed the warehouse: organizing, retrieving and delivering parts on demand at any time night or day.

Butch spent time daily helping his wife, Donna, with daycare. He loved and cherished these “adopted” children for many years and became life-long friends. Butch enjoyed racquetball with friends, especially Mike Zello, and became racquetball base champ while serving in Turkey. He taught and took his children to play racquetball nearly every Saturday morning. Other pastimes include mowing grass for his yard and elderly neighbors and friends. He loved on his grandchildren while playing rummy, Skip-Bo and Monopoly Deal. He served in church in various manners throughout his life. He was always on hand to set-up, take down or whatever job he noticed needing to be done. His faithfulness to several congregations includes: Ravenna Assembly of God (Ohio), Evangel Assembly of God (Camp Springs), Radiant Life (Waldorf), Odenton Church of God, and Bridge Church (Annapolis). He was a fervent and faithful supporter of Teen Challenge, the Assembly’s Drug rehabilitation program. He also delighted in food, which his family will miss providing him with to enjoy. He especially loved spaghetti and meatballs that reminded him of his Italian roots and family! We will not forget his devotion to Cleveland teams. How ‘bout them Browns? In referencing the typical Browns’ season, he would often comment, “I’d rather be lucky than good.”

Butch will be remembered most for his love for God and others. He loved to help anyone with whom he came in contact. His evident love for others was said and demonstrated in so many ways. He would ask you today, “Are you sure of your salvation and know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?”

TSGT Clarence William Phelps, Jr. will be buried at Maryland Veterans’ Cemetery, Crownsville, MD. On October 13, a visitation with family will be held at Redemption House Life Center in Pasadena, MD at 11:00 A.M. followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 12:00 P.M. A military honors graveside service will be held at 1:45 P.M. at the cemetery chapel.