William “Bill” E. McClenahan, 95, of Centre Hall, died Saturday, October 4, 2014, at Mount Nittany Medical Center at State College.
He was born December 5, 1918; in Potter Township, Centre County, a son of the late Harry and Vergie Kreitzer McClenahan.
On December 20, 1947, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall, he married Evelyn M. Shivery McClenahan who survives at home. Bill was a loving and devoted husband to Evelyn for sixty six years.
Bill was a 1936 graduate of Centre Hall Potter High School where he played soccer and was part of the team who won the 1936 State Soccer Championship of Pennsylvania. His team was the runners up for the championship in 1935.
In addition to farming for many years, Bill worked in the construction division of the Pennsylvania Fish Commission retiring in 1981.
He was a life member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Centre Hall, where he was active on various committees, and was extremely involved in completing many kinds of carpentry projects at the church. He was also a former member of Progress Grange in Centre Hall.
Among the things he enjoyed most were spending time with family, having “coffee soup” for breakfast all of his life since age sixteen; attending Grange Fair, spending time out of doors, camping, fishing, and hunting; and following Penns Valley school sports. He and his wife were awarded the Wrestling Fan Hall of Fame Award in 2006. He was also an avid and accomplished woodworker, who found great satisfaction in a well built building or furniture. His shop was where Bill could be found, building heirloom furniture for family and friends. His signature piece was a meticulously crafted jelly cupboard which can be found in many homes around the country. His trademark, a simple “WM” would mark his cherished work.
Surviving him in addition to his wife Evelyn are three sons Michael Andrew McClenahan of Milesburg, Robin Lee McClenahan and his wife Liz of Spring Mills, and Patric William McClenahan and his wife Deb of Centre Hall; six grandchildren, David McClenahan, Angela Dyke(Ron,) Molly McClenahan (Josh Johnson) and Megan Baylor (Brad) and Jeremiah McClenahan (Mindy) and Jonas McClenahan and his fiancee Dr. Jennifer Franko, six great grandchildren, Jacob Robinson, Zakk, Jade, and Gage McClenahan and Liam and Karigan McClenahan; and brother Harry G. McClenahan Jr. and his wife Alice of Centre Hall.
Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, were a daughter Rebecka Ann McClenahan; four sisters, Ethel Hemis, Margaret Putt, Dorothy Houser and Peggy Blazer; and a brother Jack McClenahan
Friends will be received from 9 – 11am, Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall, PA. The funeral will follow immediately at 11 am, at the church with the Reverend Scott Klimke officiating. Burial will be in the Reformed and Lutheran Cemetery, West Church St. Centre Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 331, Centre Hall, PA 16828; or to the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind, 555 Gettysburg Pike, Ste. A300 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
An on line guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to thank the fourth floor doctors, nurses, staff at Mount Nittany Medical Center, and all who so graciously and compassionately assisted them during the last days of Bill’s life. Our genuine heartfelt thanks to all of you.