Phoenix: Wayne H. Clouser, known as “Mr. C”, a well known Certified Public Accountant, age 89, passed peacefully Thursday, August 4, 2022, in hospice care surrounded by loving family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, of 59 years and they were blessed with three children, Andrew (Robertha), Gloria, and Leigh Shaffer (Jack), 8 grandchildren and several loving great grandchildren.
Wayne was born in Modoc, Indiana, on October 2, 1932, into a family of 13 children. Ambitious and a great student in high school, he also enjoyed sports, participating as Basketball Team Manager. He worked on the family farm, surrounding farms and at a chicken processing plant. Enabling him to purchase his own home before the age of 18.
Unfortunately, a farming accident caused hearing loss in both ears due to poor medical care at the time. He was able to regain his hearing after an operation later in life. After being diagnosed with another medical condition, asthma, he pulled up stakes and moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1950. There he met Bernice and they started to build a family together.
He enrolled at Lamson Business College where he graduated top in his class and was encouraged to attend the University of Arizona by his professor. At the UofA, he graduated in 1960 with honors and was President of Alpha Kappa Psi, a business fraternity. After graduation, he was offered a position at the number 5 accounting firm nationally, Arthur Andersen. He and Bernice resigned their part time jobs in Tucson and moved with the children to Phoenix where Arthur Andersen was based.
After 2 years with Arthur Andersen, Wayne ventured out on his own, leasing an office and then purchasing a building in 1962 where he completed 59 years of accounting service. Due to health reasons, he retired and sold his business in early 2021.
Wayne’s career while rewarding and accomplished, he still found time to give back to the community. He served on the Phoenix School Board, Treasurer for the Phoenix Little Theater, President of the VESTA Club, Toastmasters participant, served on the Arizona/Mexico Commission and the Arizona Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Faith was important to Wayne and Bernice who were members of the Biltmore Nazarene Church and later attended the Pinchot Hispanic Church of the Nazarene. He drove the church van for several years and served on the Southwest Latin American District as Treasurer.
Wayne survived many challenges and fought many battles but surviving 3 different forms of cancer was insurmountable. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Valley.
Wayne H. Clouser, a man of courage, generosity, dedication, a friend to many and loved by all. A life well lived!
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. Memorial Service will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Reception will immediately follow from 11 AM – 1:00 PM. Burial will take place at 1:30 PM, all are invited to join in procession to Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale.
Posey Nash
Such a fine man, and so good to the Zepeda family. Rest in peace.
Elana Orozco Dailey
I am forever grateful and thankful that my Uncle Wayne & Aunt Bernice took me in as their own child when my grandmother passed away. They both taught me to help others, always be kind and love unconditionally. Forever in my heart they shall remain.
Joyce Womac
We are all so sorry for your loss. I know Troy especially saddened even in his condition. I talked to Wayne many times over the past 40 years from TN and always enjoyed it. He will be missed. Troy, Jeanette, Joyce & Eddie
Walter Klock
A close friend and a fine person who helped many people in many ways.
Rudy Aldaco
Mr. Clouser
It was an honor to have known you. You were always there for me , when I needed help and a friend
I will always remember you as my friend.
Rudy & Helen Aldaco & family
Liz freeman
Wayne,
I am so happy we had the last few years keeping in touch if only phone calls.
You used to say you & fred were having a race to see who passed first, as you know he won that one. I feel blessed to have you both so long & miss you both.
Now I need to stay in touch with sis Joan & brother Howard & enjoy the rest of our days.
Miss you & love you.
Rest In Peace.
Your sister Liz & family
Brett Spear
Wayne and his daughter, Leigh, were invaluable to Stockman Feeds and Western Wear, and owner Paul Edwards over the years. I loved going to his office downtown, admiring his amazing collection of artwork, and listening to his stories…he was definitely a “self-made” man! During one of our meetings, he jokingly pulled a pistol out of his drawer and laid it on his desk. He looked at me with a smirk and a twinkle in his eye and said “Brett, you ever had a gun pulled on you before?” I smiled back at him and said “Wayne, I grew up at 28th Avenue and Roosevelt, graduated from Carl Hayden HS…guns don’t scare me!” We had a great laugh over that one! He was a man who experienced so much in his life and I’m forever grateful to have made his acquaintance, to consider him a mentor, and to learn just by listening to him share his views on a broad range of topics and issues. I want to share my heartfelt condolences to the Clouser family, praying for peace as they lay this great man to rest…until we meet again beyond the veil of this mortal life. Rest in peace Mr. Clouser.
Beth Bruce
My deep sympathy to Leigh and other family members. Rick and I were long time clients of Wayne and then utilized Leigh’s expertise with both business and personal accounts. I trusted his knowledge implicitly and was grateful for all the counsel he provided as Rick began his practice. His advice was invaluable. May the love and family and friends surround you as you grieve him. I will not be able to attend the service as I am out of town, but my thoughts and prayers will be offered.
David May
Mr. Clouser was a very dear friend. He was a remarkable man. I met him while caring for a friend, Norma Howell. I don’t think anyone knows how many people he watched over later in their lives. It was always such a pleasure to go and visit with him on Thomas Rd. The tales of his art and life and family were always fascinating. I was particularly honored when he let me hang art for him . I will always appreciate his family letting me be with them at the hospital and hospice toward the end. It meant so much to me and showed they had inherited his loving, generous, spirit.
Irene Valenzuela & Joel Valenzuela
My brother-in-law Wayne Clouser was a man of God who always gave – to his family – to his Church and to his community. He was a brilliant man who always saw the good in others. I will miss him terribly but know that he will be with his wife, Bernice Clouser. His life’s philosophy is best explained by the following quotation by Etienne de Grellet:
““I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Goodybye Dear Brother-In-Law
Marcy Ross
My deep condolences to your family. I was a long-time client & had great admiration & appreciation for Wayne. Over the years through many tales, ,jokes, wise counsel, & shared stories about our lives I grew to appreciate the kind & generous man he was, I will remember the twinkle in his eye & the bright light he was. He will be missed by me & all the many he touched & inspired.
Most sincerely,
Marcy Ross
Marilyn Schwertley Harris
Please accept my sympathy on the loss of WHC. When he hired me in 1973, I think he did so not because of my skills, but because he was one of 13 and I was one of 12. He taught me so much about business and accounting, that years later I was able to start my own business. I know he loved his children and grandchildren so much. He was truly a good person and I feel lucky to have known him.
Steve Pavich
To all of Wayne’s family, many friends, and colleagues, I send my deepest sympathy. He was truly one of a kind, in all the best ways. Just thinking of him always makes me smile. I am very sad to read of his passing. It’s a real loss for me, and I’m sure also for anyone who knew him.
Linda Sepich Simmons
Dearest Clouser Family and Rick,
I am sorry heartbroken to hear of Mr. Clousers passing. It was such a pleasure to know him for all the years I was able to. It a
Was always a joy to meet with him and talk a while.
It was such a pleasure to know him ❤️
Fondly,
Linda Sepich Simmons
Jessie Billi
I am sorry for the belated response. We just learned of Wayne’s passing. We are heartbroken to hear of this loss. Our condolences to the Leigh and the family. We always enjoyed Wayne’s visits. His humor, stories, and zest for life brought joy to so many.
Jessie and all of us here at NAZCARE