William E. Clepper
William E. Clepper, 94, of Treasure Lake, DuBois, died Wednesday at Christ the King Manor.
Born Dec. 8, 1923, in Van Buren, Armstrong County, he was the son of the late Eburn Glenn Clepper and Edna Andrews Clepper. He served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corps in World War II. His service included combat tours in the 5th Air Force in New Guinea, Dutch Indies and Philippine Island Campaigns for over three years.
He was married April 12, 1947, to Anna Louise McMillen Clepper. She survives.
He was part owner of Clepper Bros. Company of Cowansville. He was founder and owner of Valley Lines Inc., which serviced Armstrong, Jefferson and Clearfield county school systems, and was a school bus driver for more than 50 years.
He was a member and past ruling elder of Cowansville Presbyterian Church. He was a 50-year member of Moraine Trails Council Boy Scouts of America in Butler and advisory board member. He was active as a Scout Master of Troop 673, Cowansville, Cub Master and vice president of the executive board. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award and the Four Bead Award of the Wood Badge Program of Training from the Boy Scouts of America. He led several expeditions to the Philmont Scout Ranch and led his council to the 1969 National Jamboree in Idaho. He led many boys on their way to Eagle Scout and mentored many area youths.
He was an active member in the F&AM. He was a past Master of Indiana Lodge 313 in Indiana; a past thrice illustrious Master of Kittanning Council 52, Kittanning; a past High Priest of Orient Chapter 247, Kittanning; a past Governor of Laurel Valley York Rite College 97, DuBois; a past Sovereign of Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, Johnstown; a Knight of the York Cross of Honor, Pittsburgh; and a past Commander, Warren Commandry Knights Templar, Warren. He was also a past Right Eminent Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Pennsylvania and a member of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America. He is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and also a life member of the Buffalo Valley Sportsman Association in Worthington.
He enjoyed hunting at his camp in Sheffield, Pa., and doing mechanical work on his buses and restoration of antique cars, especially his 1939 Cadillac.
He is survived by two daughters, Carol Moody of Salsbury, Md., and Nancy Sowder and her husband, Neil, of Jasper, Ga.; two sons, William F. Clepper of Slate Lick, Pa., and Robert G. Clepper and his wife, Aurelia, of DuBois; a sister, Louise Dietz of Ford City; and 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Glenn Clepper; two grandchildren, Martin and Ronald Sowder; and a son-in-law, Charles Moody.
CLEPPER — Private family visitation and funeral services for William E. Clepper, who died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, will be held at Baronick Funeral Home and Crematorium.Full military honors will be accorded by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard, and Masonic services will be conducted by the members of the Garfield Lodge 559 F&AM.Burial will be in Lawn Haven Cemetery in Worthington.The Baronick Funeral Home and Crematorium is in charge of arrangements.Memorials may be placed with the charity of the donor's choice.Online condolences can be made to www.baronickfuneralhome.com.
