Clarence Lee "C.L." Leydens was born November 5, 1936, to Reuben and Peternella (Sneller) Leydens, in Pella, Iowa.

C.L. was raised and a life-long resident of Pella until October 2023, when he moved to Edencrest at Timberline in Urbandale. He was a 1954 graduate of Pella High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 13, 1955, and was honorably discharged on September 13, 1957. In 1957, he started his career in the car business. Over the years, he owned White Way Auto and Leydens Auto in Pella. This career led to his love of collecting classic cars.

On June 5, 1965, he was united in marriage to Patricia Wilson. They recently celebrated their 60th anniversary in June of 2025. They were blessed with two children: Michael and Michele.

C.L. served on several City of Pella organizations. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, and the Za Ga Zig Shrine. He drove convertibles in many of the Tulip Time parades. C.L. served as the Catholic Church Council President. One of his favorite past-times was playing slot machines at Prairie Meadows and golfing and playing poker.

C.L. was kind and generous. He never knew a stranger. His sense of humor remained to the very end.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Patricia, their children Mike Leydens, Michele Bechtel, and grandchildren Emily and Nick Bechtel.

He was preceded in death by his parents Reuben and Peternella Leydens, and his brother Bob Leydens, and sister Ruby Haan.

Goodbye C.L.

We love you and will miss you a lot!

Care Initiatives Hospice
Web: https://www.careinitiatives.org/donate/

Alzheimer's Association
West Des Moines IA
Web: https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate