Clyde A. Ressler

Mr. Clyde A. Ressler, 84, of Ross Drive, Friendship Village, Bedford, died Thursday, November 10th, 2016 at his home.

Mr. Ressler was born in Rainsburg on March 29, 1932,  the son of the late Frank and Ima P. (Amick) Ressler.

On March 18, 1951, he married Betty J. Mowry.  In addition to his wife he is survived by Son- Terry husband of  Frances (Martonik) Ressler, Clarkston, MI; Daughter- Sharon Beaupre, Bedford; Son- Barry husband of  Barbara (Fink) Ressler, Bedford; Daughter- Karen wife of  Alan Karns, Bedford. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kristi, Kerry, Jason, Todd, Jason, Matthew & Jessica, and nine great grandchildren, Dylan, Steven, Justin, Kevin, Ellie, Kendall, Adeline, James & John. Clyde was preceded in death by 12 brothers and sisters and is the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Clyde attended Bedford High School and graduated from ESSO School in Pittsburgh in 1965.  In January of 1966, he opened the ESSO Station at the Bedford Interchange and then in 1969, he purchased the ESSO Station at Railroad Street, which later became known as Ressler's Exxon.  Over the years, the station won many awards.   Clyde retired in 1989 as owner, selling the station to his son Barry. He then continued working for his son, officially retiring at the age of 80.

Clyde is a life member of the Bedford Volunteer Fire Company #1 Inc., and held the rank of Assistant Chief for many years.  He was elected Fire Chief in 1976 and again in 1977. In 1971, Clyde was a founding member of the Bedford Ambulance Service and held the title of Director Emeritus.

He was a life member of the Bedford Elks and in 1975 he was presented with the Elks Lodge Distinguished Citizenship Award for Meritorious Service to Humanity.  Clyde attended Friendship Missional Church in Friendship Village, where he was a member of the Benevolent Fund Committee.  He was a former president of the Board of Directors at Woods Church in Rainsburg.

Clyde was an avid hunter and in 1989, bagged a 12 point buck.  He enjoyed golfing and spending the winters with his wife in Sebring, FL.

A funeral service will be held at Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford, at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 14th, 2016 with Pastor Ken Rhodes officiating.

Interment will be held at Bedford County Memorial Park.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM and on Monday from 10:00 -11:00 AM at the Louis Geisel Funeral Home in Bedford.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Clyde to the Bedford Volunteer Fire Company #1 Inc., 244 W. Penn St., Bedford, PA 15522 or to the Friendship Missional Church, 348 Friendship Village Road, Bedford, PA 15522.

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