ROBERT EUGENE CLAAR

Robert Eugene Claar, 94, of East Freedom, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at UPMC Altoona.

He was born May 28, 1926, in Roaring Spring, the son of the late Verna (Burket) Strahley and Roosevelt P. Claar. He married Leanore I. Harr on Jan. 29, 1946, in Claysburg.

He is survived by his wife; four daughters: Linda Chesney and husband Charles of Martinsburg, Rebecca Bloom and husband Theodore of Duncansville, Sandra Davis and husband Gene of Martinsburg and Deborah Smouse and husband Randall of Roaring Spring; 12 grandchildren: Richard Chesney and wife Chris, Jeanine Strittmatter and husband Frank, Mandi Bloom, Charlotte Hill and husband Andy, Greta Kraucz and husband Alan, Yvonne Gahagan and husband Daniel, Benjamin Davis and wife Kelli, April Lilly and husband Dontae, Seth Davis and wife Jennifer, Nathan Smouse, Theodore Bloom and wife Jennifer and Ross Smouse and fiancee Amber Weaver; 25 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Ollie Gale Claar and Harry Paul Strahley; and a stepsister, Violet Dick.

Robert was a life-long member of Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church, East Freedom, where he had served in various positions including deacon, trustee, and had served on the church board.

He was a United States Army veteran of World War II.

He retired from Ward Trucking in 1988 after many years of service.

Robert was a family man; and he enjoyed camping, hunting, and going to Florida.

He was a member of the Murray-Appleman American Legion Post 147 and the Woodbury Lodge F&AM, both in Roaring Spring.

Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Todd T. Thompson Funeral Home Inc., Roaring Spring (www.thompsonfh.com) and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at the Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. by Pastor David McClanahan.

Interment will be made in Alto-Reste Park, Altoona.

Contributions in Robert's memory may be given to the Smith Corner Independent Mennonite Church.