The Magnificent Mesquites of Snyder

On April 22, 1931, Clarence was born in a little farmhouse on the northeast edge of Wichita Falls, TX. His family taught him a work ethic that carried throughout his life as well as his three siblings’. He attended City View Elementary School during the WW 2 era where he proudly shares the story of being a janitor of his school to earn a little extra money, five dollars a month. At that time his mom drove the school bus. After attending Wichita Falls High School, Mr. Shook furthered his education at Midwestern University and later joined the military service where he served overseas. Clarence served during the Korean Conflict in 1952-53-54. He took his basic training in Fort Lenard Wood, in MO, then went to Crane and Shovel School with the U. S. Air Force. He was shipped to Bordeaux, France, and was Supply Clerk for the 469th, EAB. Clarence later was transferred as Supply Sergeant for the Well Drilling Operations, 924th Engineer Aviation Group. Because of the Cold War they were responsible for drilling water wells capable of producing 300 gal. per minute, then capped them 6 foot underground for future use. Clarence and his wife, Tonya, presently live in Snyder, Tx. They have a blended family of four living daughters and one deceased son. The Magnificent Mesquites of Snyder is Mr. Shook’s second book of photography. His first book is titled, Used and Forgotten, a black and white pictorial of an abandoned American past.