Clarence L. Elston was born May 4, 1911,  the son of Arthur and Bessie (Harvey) Elston of Olney, IL.

He was married in 1931 to Imogene Irene Acton a union that lasted 65 years.

They had four sons: Clarence Jr.(Jay),Kenneth, Paul, and Jack.

He was a successful pastor in the Church of the Nazarene serving churches in Flat Rock, MI, North Star, MI, Richfield, MI, Enid, OK, and Detroit, MI.

Rev. Elston enjoyed hunting and fishing. He traveled widely during his life. During the last year and a half of life he lived in an adult care facility in Traverse City, MI. The family mentioned in Rev. Elston's obituary their appreciation for the care he received while there. They wrote, "The family would like to say a special thanks to Kevin Acton and his staff at Country View Assisted Living for the wonderful care they have given to him for the last year and a half." Rev. Elston was a caring and faithful pastor to thousands of folks who attended the churches he served. As was expressed in his memorial service, "The world lost a great man September 30, 2002, but in heaven, the angels are rejoicing at the homecoming of Rev. Clarence L. Elston." Cause of death was heart failure and age related diseases.