Donald A. Claycomb

Donald A. Claycomb was ushered into a new life on December 12, 2024. He was born March 20, 1936, son of Alvie and Lillian Claycomb, on a farm in Dutch Corner, Bedford Township. Upon graduating from Bedford High School in 1954, he with 5 other classmates, decided to enter the United States Air Force. After serving his country, he enrolled at Delaware Valley College, Doylestown, PA. With the completion of his Bachelor of Science Degree, he accepted a teaching position at William Tennett High School, Warminster, PA.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, the former Marlene Rudisill, and four children: LeAnn Collins of Collegeville, PA; Jeffrey, wife Lisa, of Shallotte, NC; Steven, wife Bonnie, of Stroudsburg, PA; Craig, wife Denise, of Doylestown, PA; as well as seven grandchildren, step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is one sister Penny Pricer of New Paris. Deceased siblings are Mary Ada Mowrey, Eva Louise Hillegas, Larry Claycomb, and Annabelle Huntsman.

In 1965, he felt the call to the mission field, and under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America went as an agricultural missionary to Tanzania, East Africa. In Lushoto, he managed a church farm which financially supported three social institutions- a blind school, an orphanage and a mental hospital. During his second term, he developed an agricultural training center and a village marketing program. Upon completion of two terms and obtaining his Master's Degree, he was hired as an associate professor at his alma mater, now Delaware Valley University, in which he taught in the agronomy and horticultural programs.

In 1995, he decided to form his own company, Wildlife & Pest Control which is now being operated in Bucks County by his son Craig. Upon his retirement and after fifty years, he returned to Bedford to enjoy the beauties of his childhood experiences and his family farm. Giving to the Evangelical Lutheran Church and Lions Club gave him much enjoyment.

Service will be held on December 17, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Everett at 11 AM with a visitation held one hour prior to the time of service. Private interment will be at St. James Lutheran Church, Bedford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Donald A. Claycomb to Zion Lutheran Church, 100 W. Main St. Everett, PA. 15537.

Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Bedford, Pennsylvania.