Columbus, OH — Clarence Earl Hand, 91, born Oct. 24, 1932 in Bloomsbury, N.J., died July 21, 2024, in Williamsburg, Va.
The son of Norman and Alice Hand, he grew up in Flemington, N.J., where he stumbled on his first great love — harness racing. Racing became his life’s work and his greatest passion.
While serving in the Air Force in the 1950s, Mr. Hand was stationed in Idaho where he stumbled on his second great love, Barbara Burton, who became his wife of 68 years. When they married in 1956, Barbara became his first love (although the horses were never far behind).
Clarence and Barbara lived a full life together, raising a family and traveling to race tracks. Later in life, they spent time traveling to see what they both thought of as “this great country of ours.”
Mr. Hand is remembered as a big, funny, character of a man — devoted to his family and his horses. Also known as Handy, Abe, and Mr. Wonderful, he was many things to many people — a good friend, a loving family man, and a jokester.
Mr. Hand is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Terry (Mitch) Steffen, Jude (Robin Sesan), and Ken (Cindy); five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Alice; and his two siblings, Norman and Elaine.
For each of those left behind, he also leaves a story or moment of laughter, hi-jinx, caring, helpfulness, and most importantly love. He will be missed.
Messages to the family can be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.