Obituary for W. Clair King
W. Clair King, Jr., 95, of Bellefonte, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Centre Care. Born on July 3, 1927, in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late Walter Clair King, Sr. and Hazel Gertrude (McCloskey) King. On July 18, 1953, he married his beloved wife, Patricia (Smead) King, who survives at home after sharing nearly 70 years of marriage together.
Clair was a graduate of Lock Haven High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, from August 1945 until he was honorably discharged. During his time in the service, he was awarded the Victory Medal. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Lock Haven State Teachers College, (currently Lock Haven University). He taught for a short time before taking a position as the Director of Purchasing for Sutton Engineering, where he remained for 25 years until his retirement.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by their three children, Joseph King (Joy), Diane Lidgett (Ronald), both of Bellefonte, and Matthew King (Connie) of Pine Grove Mills, five grandchildren, and one step grandchild.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
Clair was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte, where he sang in the choir for many years. Additionally, he was a Past Master at the F&AM Lodge 268 in Bellefonte. He also enjoyed singing and acting at the Boal Barn Playhouse in Boalsburg. He also enjoyed playing golf at the Nittany Country Club with his former brother-in-law, Dick Smead. Most of all, he loved to shoot pool in the Centre County Pool League with his good buddies. The team presented him with an award honoring his accomplishment of winning over 1,000 games.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 W. Howard Street, Bellefonte, with Pastor Doug Conway officiating. Immediately to follow, military honors will be carried out to conclude the services for Mr. King. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Clair’s memory to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 W. Howard Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
Clair was a graduate of Lock Haven High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, from August 1945 until he was honorably discharged. During his time in the service, he was awarded the Victory Medal. He went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Lock Haven State Teachers College, (currently Lock Haven University). He taught for a short time before taking a position as the Director of Purchasing for Sutton Engineering, where he remained for 25 years until his retirement.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by their three children, Joseph King (Joy), Diane Lidgett (Ronald), both of Bellefonte, and Matthew King (Connie) of Pine Grove Mills, five grandchildren, and one step grandchild.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.
Clair was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Bellefonte, where he sang in the choir for many years. Additionally, he was a Past Master at the F&AM Lodge 268 in Bellefonte. He also enjoyed singing and acting at the Boal Barn Playhouse in Boalsburg. He also enjoyed playing golf at the Nittany Country Club with his former brother-in-law, Dick Smead. Most of all, he loved to shoot pool in the Centre County Pool League with his good buddies. The team presented him with an award honoring his accomplishment of winning over 1,000 games.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 W. Howard Street, Bellefonte, with Pastor Doug Conway officiating. Immediately to follow, military honors will be carried out to conclude the services for Mr. King. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Clair’s memory to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 128 W. Howard Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.