It all began in Chicago, Illinois, when Clarence Houston and Earnestine [Adams] Dupree celebrated the arrival of a new bundle of joy into their family. This blessing, arriving on October 10, 1949 was named Clarence Houston Dupree.


Affectionately known as "Houston" by all who knew him, he grew up and spent his formative years in Chicago and was also reared by his maternal grandmother, Emma Chairs - Adams, formerly of Muskogee. He attended school and was confirmed in church at an early age while living in Chicago.


"Houston" served in the United States Marine Corp in 1969, serving a tour of duty in Vietnam. After he was injured, he received his honorable discharge.


He was united in marriage to Ann Mitchell, and this union produced 4 children; Keith, Derrick and Robert. He also helped to raise 4 step-children, Ronald, Elaine, Carl and Chris. This marriage was later dissolved and a relationship with Renee Carey produced a daughter, Emma Olean.


"Houston" was a special guy, family oriented and was always willing to help others. He never complained, although he wasn't feeling well himself after he became ill. It was his love for family that brought him to Muskogee. He came to take care of his father and after his father passed away, he decided to make Muskogee his home. He united with the First Missionary Baptist Church. He also reunited with his family here and spent a lot of time at cookouts, family gatherings and reunions.


He met the love of his life, Terrie Lynn Berry and they fell in love. They were united in marriage on March 7, 2006. Though there were no children from this union, He shared with Terrie in raising her son, Maurice.


After a valiant battle with cancer, Clarence Houston Dupree, in his 58th year, surrendered his soul to Jesus, with his wife and family by his side on Sunday morning, August 24, 2008 from the Jack Montgomery V.A. Regional Medical Center.


He was preceded in death by his mother, father, a brother, Maurice LaDue Dupree, his maternal grandmother, Emma Chairs-Adams, and others.


Those that wait; his wife, Terrie Lynn Dupree, of the home; 3 sons, Keith, Derrick and Robert Dupree, all of Chicago; 2 daughters, JoAnn Dupree, Minnesota and Emma O'Lean Dupree, Chicago; his step-children, Maurice Vann, of the home, Ronald Berrian, Muskogee, Chris Berrian, Elaine Berrian and Carl Berrian; his mother-in-law, Betty Jo Burley, Muskogee; his sisters-in-law, Anita Berry and Marcella Berry, Muskogee; a brother-in-law, Larry Berry, Denver, CO; special cousins, Alfretta Ousley, Joyce Chairs-Diles, Muskogee; 11 grandchildren; a special great-niece, Mariah Berry; a very special friend, Orville Lodge, Muskogee; along with a caravan of other relatives and dear freinds who loved and will miss "Houston."


The final salute to "Houston" will commence on Friday, August 28, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. C. Maurice Baccus, Jr., Pastor, will officiate. Military Honors will follow in the National Cemetery at Ft. Gibson, at 2:00 P.M. You may visit Mr. Dupree, as he slumbers in sweet repose at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM.


Casket bearers will be Reggie Adkins, Gary McVay, Darren Reed, Larry Berry, Herbert Hughes and Raymond Teague, Sr.