Jack E. Claar

Jack E. Claar, 77 of Fleegle Road, Bedford, went to be with the Lord with his family by his side, on Friday, December 4, 2015, at UPMC Altoona Hospital.  He was born on February 7, 1938 in Bedford, a son of the late Kenneth E. and Etta (Imler) Claar.  On July 5, 1950 in Ellerslie, MD, he married Mary (Keel) Claar, who survives along with the following family: a daughter, Carol wife of Lenny Taylor, and a son Kenneth E. Claar Sr., married to the former Diane Hershberger, both of Bedford; four grandchildren: Brandy Nave, Deanna wife of Andy Park, Kenneth E. Claar Jr., and Jack R. Claar, married to the former Bobbie Beegle; nine great-grandchildren; a sister Jean wife of Myron Messersmith, of Everett, and a step-brother, Harold Henderson, and wife Mary, of Osterburg.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Etta Claar.

Jack worked for Eastern Express for 17 years before becoming a boiler inspector for the Baltimore Dept. of Development.  He then went to work for Rest Lawn Memorial Park, in LaVale, MD, and retired from Cannondale.  He had a large collection of model cars, and in his earlier years was a talented auto body repairman.  Throughout the late 1950’s he enjoyed racing stock cars at the Bedford Speedway, and the former South Penn Speedway in Everett.  He enjoyed working in his garage, and spending time with his family.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 7, 2015, at 8:00 p.m., in the Chapel, at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Pastor Howard Sloan officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park.  Friends will be received on Monday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with funeral service to follow immediately after.  Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com