Rev. Paul E. Claycomb

Reverend Paul Eugene Claycomb, 82, formerly of Bedford, PA, died July 14, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Paul was born on February 7, 1938 in Osterburg, PA, the son of the late Joseph and Helen Claycomb.

On December 3, 1960, he married Nancy Diehl Claycomb.

Surviving are these children: CarolAnn Rosenberger and husband, Jim Rosenberger; LuAnn Martin and husband, Steve Martin; grandchildren: Walter John Schwenger, John Rosenberger, Paul Schwenger, Daniel Rosenberger, and Joseph Rosenberger, step grandchildren: Zackery Martin and wife, Elizabeth and Ryan Martin and wife Kimberly; step-great-grandchildren:  Miles Martin, Jason Martin, Eva Martin, Levi Martin, and Charlotte Martin.  He is also survived by brother Larry R. Claycomb, and wife, Ann (Campbell); sister Betty Lou (Claycomb) Mittong and husband, G. Edward; special family member, Marjorie Snyder, and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.

Paul graduated from Bedford High School.  While in high school, he served as the class president for two years and was the captain of the wrestling team.  He also played football.  In addition, Paul was chosen as 4H man of the year.  Paul attended Shippensburg State Teachers College.  He was on the wrestling team and participated in a service fraternity.   Paul traveled to Europe during his senior year.

Paul came back to Bedford High School to teach.  He taught Geography for 6 years and was also an assistant football and wrestling coach. He was also a member of the Bedford Elks Club. In September of 1966, Paul began to teach at Westmont Hilltop High School.  He taught American History, Weather, and Geography for 25 years.  He was also head wrestling and cross country coach, and an assistant football coach.  Paul also served as athletic director.  In 1985-86, Paul was named the Assistant Coach of the Year.    He was also chosen as the District 6 Man of the Year in 1981.  He was named to the District 6 Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2017.

In 1991, Paul started studying at Lancaster Theological Seminary.   He won the award for Rural Ministry and served as a student pastor at Salem United Church of Christ.

In 1994, he was installed at Stoystown United Church of Christ.  Next he ministered at Friends Cove United Church of Christ.  He was installed as Friends Cove Pastor Emeritus in June, 2018.

Paul faithfully served as a Tres Dias chaplain, and served on board of directors of the Truckers Travelers Ministry and Hoffman Home for Youth.  He was also president of the Friends Cove and Friends senior citizens group and the Double Brick Church Committee.

After retirement, Paul served as a supply pastor to the Central Bedford Lutheran parish and Zion Lutheran Church in Clearville, PA.  He performed hundreds of weddings and funerals.  Paul’s ministry touched many lives as he was truly a great godly role model.  His smile, hugs and wisdom will be missed by all who knew him.

Paul had a unique ability to make everyone feel special.  He was Daddy to two girls, but a father to many.

Paul had many interests, including farming, camping, fishing, boating, and hunting.

A celebration of life will be held at Trinity United Church of Christ on Saturday, July 18  at 2:00PM with Rev. Dr. Bill Shrout officiating. At the family's request, due to safety concerns, the service will be private with immediate family only. The service will be shared live on Facebook at “Friends Cove Trinity United Church of Christ.”  Viewers may also use this link to access the service: https://www.facebook.com/Friends-Cove-United-Church-of-Christ-116486815041658

Interment at Friends Cove UCC- Double Brick Cemetery, Friends Cove, PA.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.geiselfuneral.com

Arrangements entrusted to Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford.