Clarence H. Berbaum, 95, of Champaign died at 7:40 a.m. November 26, 2014 at Gowin Parc, Taylorville, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 8 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana, with Rev. Jim Cornell officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Roselawn Cemetery on a later date.

Mr. Berbaum was born in rural Champaign November 5, 1919, the son of Fred and Clara (Bez) Berbaum. He married Barbara Jean Dye on June 8, 1952 in Urbana, IL. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2014.

Surviving is one daughter, Sandra (Jim) Cornell and three grandchildren: Angela, Hannah, and Daniel Cornell, all of Stonington, IL, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by one son, Randy and six siblings: Charles (Pauline) Berbaum, Florence (John) Fox, Aleene (Bob) Shumacher, Helen (Morris) Armstrong, and two as young children.

Mr. Berbaum attended Excelsior 66 (aka: Frog Pond) one-room schoolhouse south-west of Champaign, and graduated from Champaign High School in 1938. After serving with the 100th Infantry in WWII, he attended the American Television Technical School in Chicago and returned to Champaign/Urbana to help construct and then work at WKID radio. He then worked for 29 years at WILL (radio/TV), at the University of Illinois, Urbana, the last 25 years as Assistant Chief Engineer. He and his wife were involved in the Save Allerton Park Committee in the 1960's and 1970's and organized the Prairie Paddlers Canoe Club through the Champaign Park District in the 1980's and 1990's. He enjoyed woodworking, inventing, travelling, and country music.

Contributions may be made in memory of Clarence to UIF/Friends of WILL 300 N. Goodwin Urbana, IL 61801 or Champaign Parks Foundation, 706 Kenwood Road Champaign, IL 61821. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.