Mr. Clarence E. “Pat” Gruen. 94, of Taylorville, IL passed away at 12:50 P.M. Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.
He was born in Rosamond, IL June 1, 1921 the son of Edwin and Doris (Wallace) Gruen.
Pat married Gloria Wells on March 7, 1953 at 1st United Methodist Church, Taylorville, IL.
Mr. Gruen was a member of Taylorville United Methodist Church. He served as a chef in the U.S. Army in the Philippines during W.W. II. Pat and Gloria acquired the Green Gables Drive-In at Park and Washington Streets in Taylorville from Ivan and Catherine Vaughn. They built a new restaurant and moved to Rt. 48 West in 1957 owning and operating the Green Gables Restaurant until his retirement in 1994. It is now known as the Country Kitchen. Pat was a member and Past-President of the Taylorville Lions Club, member of the Taylorville Methodist Men’s Club and was a Lifetime Member of the Taylorville V.F.W.
Surviving are his wife Gloria of Taylorville, IL 2 brothers Harold (Elaine) Gruen of Santa Barbara, CA Floyd (Phyllis) Gruen of Decatur, IL a sister Ruth Roth of Cuba, MO along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 27, 2015 at the Taylorville United Methodist Church. Pastor Becky Lembke will officiate. Visitation for Mr. Gruen will be held from 9 to 11 am at the church before services on Friday. Memorials in memory of Mr. Gruen may be made to: The Christian County Senior Citizens Center - 701 W. Adams - Taylorville, IL 62568 or Taylorville United Methodist Church - 200 S. Walnut Street - Taylorville, IL 62568.
Masterson Funeral Home in Kincaid is assisting the family with arrangements.
