Clair A. Corle

Clair A. Corle, 77, of Bedford, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, after a brief illness.

Clair was born in Queen on Jan. 23, 1943, the son of the late Charles E. and Amanda Pearl (Benton) Corle.

Clair attended Chestnut Ridge high school, where he started a longstanding family tradition of high school wrestling and was a district champion and a regional runner-up. His nickname in high school was “Pig Iron,” known for his strength on the wrestling mat.

He was a member of the Chestnut Ridge Independent Fellowship Church.

Clair is survived by his wife of 38 years, Phyllis, who he dearly loved; four children, Kelly A (wife of Paul Brown), New Paris; Clair A. Jr (and special friend, Katie Reinard), Bedford; Kevin W., New Paris; Kim S. Leppert, New Paris; three stepchildren who he loved as his own: Cynthia S., (wife of Kenneth Ritchey), Everett; John Gardner (and wife, Rhonda), Columbus, Ohio; and Curt Gardner, Bedford; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; three brothers: Sheldon R., Osterburg; Charles R., Osterburg; and Theodore W. (and wife Miriam), New Paris; and a sister, Mary June (wife of Ed King), Rockledge, Fla.

Clair was preceded in death by brothers Walter, James and Kenneth and sisters Ruby Ickes, Pauline Bailey and Bracie Stiffler.

Clair owned his own roofing construction company and briefly dabbled in a Christmas tree farm. He raised standardbred horses for many years and bred several prize-winning horses.

Clair loved sitting on his porch with his beloved dog, Ace, at his side. He was a golfer and an avid bowler. He will be remembered for his character, work ethic, hearty laugh, family picnics, and yearly large family Christmas Eve gathering. Clair was a loving husband, father, and brother and he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A special thanks to Pastor Dan of the CR Independent Fellowship church for making Clair’s final days peaceful in his love for the Lord.

A small private ceremony for the family will be held due to the current restrictions.

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

Arrangements entrusted to Mickle-Geisel Funeral Home, Schellsburg.