RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Clauson Soule, Jr. 74, died peacefully athome, Friday, January 5, 2001. He was born in Herkimer on September 16, 1926, son of Clauson,Sr. and Edna Russell Soule. He was educated in Herkimer schools. Clauson wasjoined in marriage to Mary Potter of Little Falls, on April 24, 1948, a lovingunion of 52 years. He was employed by the Library Bureau of Herkimer, New York;starting as a lumber handler in 1946 and retiring as a Vice President in 1979.After his retirement, he began a second career as a locomotive engineer forDelaware Otsego Systems of Cooperstown, retiring in 1992. Clauson served as aVillage Justice for Richfield Springs, and was a past member of the RichfieldSprings Central School Board. He was proud to be a special deputy for the OtsegoCounty Sheriffs Department and was an associate member of the LeatherstockingChapter of the Association of Former New York State Troopers. Clauson was an avid sportsman and excellent marksman, whotaught his skills to his sons and grandsons. He had an abiding love for natureand was the founder of the Doe Pond Club in Big Moose. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary, his four sons andtheir wives; David and Patricia Soule of Cooperstown, Richard and Cheryl Souleof Richfield Springs, Gary and Nancy Soule of Clinton, Greg and Patricia Souleof Clinton; two daughters and their husbands, Rebecca and Bruce Ward ofHerkimer, Patricia and David Abbenda of Pattersonville; nine grandchildren,Brittany, Griffin, Bryant, John, Molly, Nora, Annemarie, Joslyn Soule and CalumAbbenda. He is also survived by three sisters, Marie Austin of Utica, JanetteGrose of Pittsboro, NC, and Helen Marriott of Ormond Beach, FL. He waspredeceased by a brother, Russell Soule. He also leaves his faithful companions,two Jack Russell terriers, Josie and Wendell. Services will be held Tuesday, at 11:00 am in J. SeatonMcGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs, 40 West James Street RichfieldSprings. Relatives and friends may call on Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm,in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Clausons name toBassett Healthcare Richfield Springs Challenge Grant, 5 Lake Street, RichfieldSprings, NY. 13439.