Clarence Murray Rainey, an enrolled member of the Shoshone Tribe, was born on June 4, 1886, to Charles Rainey and Annetta Larsen. At just eight years old, Clarence was sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where he remained for five years. After completing the eighth grade, he was discharged on July 5, 1902.
Clarence continued his education at the Teller Institute in Grand Junction, Colorado, attending from December 23, 1903, until June 18, 1905. He later enrolled at the Academy of Idaho (now Idaho State University) in 1907 and again in 1909, becoming the earliest known Tribal member to attend the institution. While there, he studied trades such as plumbing and was active in athletics, playing football and pitching for the baseball team, where he earned the nickname “Strongheart Rainey.”
Following his studies, Clarence began working as a plumber in Pocatello and continued to play baseball locally. He also volunteered with the Pocatello Fire Department. In 1911, he worked for Greene and Higson as a plumber and later joined the City of Pocatello Water Department in 1917, where he eventually became City Water Superintendent—a role he held for thirty years.
Clarence and his wife, Lena Trimmings, whom he married in 1913, made their home at 735 W. Bonneville. Their house was known as one of the nicest in Pocatello. In addition to his work in the city, Clarence owned land in Fort Hall, including 20 acres of farmland, 60 acres of hay land, and 160 acres of grazing land.
Clarence Rainey passed away on March 1, 1947, at the age of 60. His lasting legacy is seen in the community through his contributions to both Pocatello and Fort Hall. Rainey Park stands as a tribute to his memory. He is buried at Mountainview Cemetery in Pocatello.