Clarence Sorrell

It is with a heavy heart that the Sorrell family is mourning the death of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and “Papi,” Clarence Sorrell who passed away on April 25, 2021.  Clarence was born on November 6, 1940 in Hamden, Ohio, grew up in Wellston, Ohio, graduated from Wellston High School in 1958 and was a member of the undefeated Wellston Rockets football team that won the Southeastern Ohio League in 1957.  After graduation, Clarence went to Columbus & eventually was employed as a lieutenant in the Timken Roller Bearing Company’s police/security department.  From there, he went on to become a dedicated Columbus police officer for 25 years with 18 of those years being in the Homicide Squad.  Although never one to say anything about his accomplishments, his family is extremely proud of the fact that he was a lead detective investigating and arresting the .22 caliber killers.  He also received an award from the FBI for a homicide investigation he led that involved the FBI, Indiana State Police & Columbus Police and resulted in life sentences for 2 suspects in Indiana.  He was involved in many high profile cases during his career and even solved a couple after his retirement from CPD. After leaving Homicide, he investigated domestic violence cases and was given an award from CHOICES, a group who helps victims of domestic violence. He was well respected by attorneys, judges and officers from many departments.  After retirement, he became an accomplished furniture maker and made beautiful furniture for all of his family.  Clarence was a dedicated, honorable and hardworking man who cherished his family & friends above all else, who was always there for them through thick and thin and who was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.  He gave his all in everything he did and this world is a much sadder place without him in it.

Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, Paul & Anna Sorrell, his brother Paul Norman Sorrell & nephew Charlie Boyd.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 33 years Liz, son Scott (Rhonda) Sorrell of Baltimore, daughter Cheryl (Tom) Dreier of Carroll, “same as daughter” Claudia Sorrell-Vargas (Balo) of Lancaster; grandchildren – Dustin (Jordan) Sorrell, Jenna Sorrell (Bobby Jude), Makiah Sorrell, Rachel (Matthew) Pardini, Abbey Gates (Patrick Gorman), David Gates & Mason Sorrell; great-grandchildren Mason & Trace Jude, Kate Sorrell & baby Pardini to arrive in July; sister-in-law & brother-in-law Linda & Tim Lawson, sister-in-law Diana Justus; nephews Paul (Cassandra) Sorrell of California & Doug (Monique) Sorrell of Tennessee.

A funeral service officiated by Rev. Heinz D. Raidel, will take place on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 1 PM in the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 207 S. Main St., Baltimore, OH, 43105. Family and friends may visit from 11-1 PM on Friday. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Baltimore. A live stream of the service can be viewed starting at 1 PM Friday on the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Facebook page.

To leave an online condolence, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.