Paul A. Claar

Paul A. Claar

Claysburg

Paul A. Claar, 86, of Claysburg, passed away on April 14, 2017 at Homewood at Martinsburg.

Paul was born in Claysburg, the son of the late Ira G. and Goldie M. (Walter) Claar on November 7, 1930.

He lived his life in the Claysburg area except while serving in the Korean War, stationed in Germany. He graduated from Claysburg High School in 1949, having completed 12 years of education without missing a single day.

On Aug. 20, 1951, Rev. Porter officiated the marriage of Paul and Dorothy M. (Berkey) Claar in Cumberland, Md. She preceded him in death on July 4, 2012, after 60 years of marriage.

Paul is survived by four children; Linda M. Carson (Galen C.) of Imler; Dennis A. (Joann R. Hernandez); Cindy L. Tipton (David W. Sr.); and Joseph D. (Ann M. Burket) all of East Freedom; 10 grandchildren, Michael Carson(Tammy); Shawn Claar(Christina); Angela Claar; Mandy Dibert; Angel (Madden) Shipman(Shane); Jesse Claar; Nicole Fitzpatrick (Kevin John); Jessica Claar(Matthew); Elizabeth Yoder(Wyatt); and Christina Claar; 10 great-grandchildren, Riley, Kalei, and Kloe Carson; Emily and Rebekah Claar; Samantha Barnes; Lakkyn Dibert; Noah Husik; Dakota Shipman; Jacob Claar and two great granddaughters arriving early this summer.

Also surviving are two brothers, Harold G. of Osterburg and Larry R. (Ruth) of Claysburg; two sisters, Eileen J. Grabill of Imler and Shirley J. Hartman (George) of Claysburg; a sister-in-law Shirley J. Davis (Kenneth) of Imler along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Marie (infant); Mildred P. Bowers; Ivy D. Burket; and Thelma L. Yingling.

Prior to having a career in timbering/lumber industry, he worked shortly for the Pennsylvania Railroad Juniata Shops and Eastern Trucking based in Bedford.  While driving truck Paul started cutting/peeling paperwood, some of which was donated to the Claysburg Church of God to raise money for the Building Project. He started sawing lumber in 1971 until eventually operating an automatic sawmill from 1982 until his retirement in 1996. He supplied lumber to numerous individuals, farms, and businesses, most notably Western Sizzler Steak which became Hoss’s Steak and Sea House.

Paul was a member of the Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) attending both the Claysburg and Manns Choice Churches. He served as usher, Sunday School teacher, Council Member, mentor to many and wherever led by the Lord to serve.

Upon his retirement, he enjoyed fishing with special fishing buddies “Big Brother” H.  Hoyt Williams and Nathan Whetstone. He had also gone on camping/fishing trips with extended family. Paul will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Church of God World Missions at either Claysburg or Manns Choice to help spread the WORD and reach the lost.

Friends and family will be received on Monday, April 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.  and on Tuesday, April 18, from 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Claysburg Church of God, with Rev. Richard Whetstone officiating. Committal service will be held at the Church.

Military Rites accorded by the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.jedwardblackburnfh.com.

Arrangements by the J. Edward Blackburn Funeral Home.

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