Clarence Walter Lampkins

POYNETTE – Clarence Walter Lampkins, age 83, passed away on the morning of October 11, 2026, in the TLC unit, at UW Hospital, after a wonderful day spent with his family by his side, sharing his stories like he loved to do.

Clarence was born on April 11, 1943, in Bristol, Virginia, to Margaret and Clarence Darnell. He was raised by George Walter Lampkins, whose surname he later took. His early years were spent in Eastern Tennessee, where his family worked as farmers. It was there that Clarence learned the value of hard work and developed the strong work ethic he carried throughout his life.

At the age of 18, Clarence enlisted in the United States Navy. As he liked to tell the story, he had no intention of becoming a Navy man. He had planned to speak with a recruiter from another branch of the service, but when that recruiter was away at lunch, Clarence and a buddy wandered next door to visit with the Navy recruiter and “shoot the breeze.” Apparently, the recruiter was quite the salesman, because before Clarence knew it, he was signing up for the Navy — despite the small detail that he couldn’t swim! It was a story that offered a glimpse of Clarence’s humor, storytelling, and the unexpected turns that sometimes shape a life.

While stationed in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Clarence met Diane Badtke, who had a young son, Steven. On December 6, 1963, Clarence and Diane were married in Sheboygan, beginning a marriage that would span more than six decades. This December, they would have celebrated 63 years together. 

In their early years together, Clarence and Diane enjoyed an active social life filled with snowmobiling, bow hunting clubs, camping, boating, playing cards, and simply spending time with many good friends. Some of their fondest memories were made alongside the Campbell’s, the Ramblin’s, the Englemann’s, and the Cooper’s, just to name a few. 

Clarence worked in a factory for many years before beginning a new chapter as an over-the-road truck driver in the early 1970s. His work took him onto the highways, traveling all over the country making a living behind the wheel. Over the years, he drove for several companies, including Sanna, Beatrice Cheese, Ruan, and Your Town Transport.

In May 1977, Clarence and Diane moved from Sheboygan to Poynette after his company relocated the truck base to McFarland. 

Over the years, Clarence and Diane shared a love of adventure and enjoyed finding new ways to spend time together. They bought an RV and spent a couple of years traveling across the country. Although they enjoyed their travels, they eventually decided that life on the road in an RV wasn’t quite their cup of tea. They soon discovered that cruise ships were a much better fit! In the years that followed, they enjoyed a number of memorable cruises, sharing new experiences, exploring new places, and making special memories together. 

Clarence volunteered for many hours with Habitat for Humanity, including many physically demanding days working on deconstruction projects. During those days, he began salvaging all sorts of things, figuring he could “re-use them one day.” That philosophy eventually created the need for two extra-large outbuildings, five Quonset huts, a full basement, a full garage, and multiple piles out in the field! Clarence also collected tractors that he hoped to restore when he retired. Unfortunately, retirement projects never quite came to fruition, as he had accumulated so much from his Habitat days that there was always plenty of stuff waiting to be sorted, stored, or put to use. His knack for seeing potential in things others might discard was just another part of what made Clarence uniquely Clarence.

Clarence was also a member of the Badger Steam and Gas Engine Club, in Baraboo, where he enjoyed helping with the club’s annual show each August. His friend and neighbor, Peter, introduced him to the club, and the annual show soon became one of Clarence’s favorite activities of the year. It was another opportunity to enjoy his interest in engines and machinery, lend a helping hand, and spend time doing something he truly loved.

In the later years of his life, Clarence found a wonderful family of faith at Fellowship Baptist Church, in Lodi, which he had been attending for the last several years. The warmth and fellowship he found within the church community became a meaningful part of his life, giving him a place where he felt he belonged and was cared for.

Although Clarence enjoyed fishing, he didn’t get to go as often as he would have liked. On September 12, his daughter and son-in-law took him on a charter fishing trip in Sheboygan. The water was too choppy for him to stand and fish, but he had a wonderful time visiting with Dean, the captain. Clarence said, “It couldn’t have been a better day,” and Dean later shared that spending the trip talking with Clarence had made it one of his favorite trips of the year. It was a special day filled with conversation, laughter, and memories to cherish.

Clarence’s last trip was on October 3, when he participated in the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He asked his daughter to accompany him as his guardian for the day. Clarence was humbled by the experience and deeply moved by the many thoughtful gestures to all the veterans throughout the day. The mail call brought tears to his eyes, and the welcome home celebration was overwhelming. He was truly surprised, grateful, and touched by the honor shown to him and his fellow veterans. It was a special and unforgettable day, one that gave him the opportunity to feel the appreciation of others for his service to his country.

Clarence is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Diane, and their children, Steven Badtke, David Lampkins, and Christine (James) Solesbee. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Beth (Eric) Crammond, Jessica (Josh Heuer) Shields, and Monica (Josh) Hauge, and his great-grandchildren, Owen Crammond, Emmett Crammond, Grant Crammond, James Greiner, Lucas Greiner, Hawkley Jantzen, Norah Heuer, Nerah Egelston, Ryan Fuller, Raelynn Hauge, Jeremiah Hauge, Joshua Lynch, Landon Hauge, and Laelani Hauge.

He is further survived by his siblings, Charles (Lynne) Lampkins and Mary Ann Ambrose; his sisters-in-law, Joan Achsel and Joan Lorier; and many other relatives, friends, and neighbors whose lives were touched by him. He will also be missed by the feral cats he adopted, loved to visit with, and lovingly pampered each day. Clarence had a special way of caring for those around him, whether family, friends, neighbors, or the four-legged visitors who became part of his daily life.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Darnell, Margaret Lampkins, and George Walter Lampkins; his siblings, George Walter (GW) Lampkins and George Ray (Ray) Lampkins; and members of Diane’s family, including her mother, Marie Lorier; her father, Joseph Lorier; her stepmother, Viola Lorier; her brother, Jack Lorier; and her brother-in-law, Robert Achsel.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the UW Hospital Emergency Room and TLC Department, especially RN Julie, for the kindness and care shown to Clarence. Clarence was also deeply appreciative of the support he received from the many dedicated people throughout the VA who cared for him across its various departments. He always had wonderful things to say about those who helped him, and their compassion and kindness meant so much to him. His family is grateful to everyone who made a difference in his life and helped him feel cared for and supported.

Clarence will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him. We know he is finally pain free and at peace. His family would love to share stories with you.

Details of a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Poynette, is assisting the family.