On Thursday, March 21, 2019 (the first day of Spring according to the Farmer’s Almanac), Norman E. Clair, 72, loving husband, proud father, grandfather and Vietnam veteran, quietly passed away listening to country classics surrounded by loving family members. After cheating death so many times in his life, it was only age and time that caught up to him. As he always stated, “Good things take time!”
Mr. Clair is survived by his wife of almost 50 years: Charlotte Eckenroth Clair; his son: William Clair, Endicott, N.Y.; and daughter: Sheila Clair, wife of Eric Hogue, West Lawn. He will be watching over his grandchildren, who he was so proud of always: Shannon, Dylan, Quinn, Riley, William, Cecelia; and his great-granddaughter: Mercedes. Also surviving him are his brothers and sisters: Grace Nixdorf, Manhiem; Samuel Clair, Reinholds; Chester Clair, Reamstown; Charles Arthur Clair, Ephrata; Raymond Benjamin, husband of Pam Weber Clair, Ephrata; John H., husband of Victoria Weidler Clair, Stevens. He also is survived by many other nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews and other family members who adored him for his antics and laugh. We will all love and miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his daughter: Joyce Elaine; brothers: Harvey and Alvin Menno; and a sister: Daisy Claus.
Norman was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War serving in country in Vinh Long, where he was an air frame repairman and one of the “head honchos” in the shop where he worked with his unit to organize and execute the repair of the Huey helicopters. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Marksman Badge (rifle). He was very proud of his service to his country.
Known for his jovial sense of humor, his big mischievous smile, twinkling eyes, and hearty handshake. Normie was always known for his strength, pranks and routines. Actually, no shoestrings were safe with him or glasses would go un-soaped if left unsupervised. He loved bowling, playing cards with family, his word searches with 0.9 led pencils (twist erase) and Yahtzee. Definitely dependable, you could set your clock by his breakfast schedule at the Udder Choice or the Park Place Diner, his yard work, or Wednesday laundry day at the Ephrata Cloister. He always concentrated on his abilities and never left his disabilities stop him. He is an example for us all and he has left some very large double-knotted shoes to fill.
A viewing will be held Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, with a service at noon, at Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., 34-38 N. Reamstown Road, Reamstown. Interment will be in Muddy Creek Cemetery, Denver.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made toward his final expenses. To contribute, go to goodfuneral.com, click on Norman’s obituary, then click “donate now.”
Arrangements by Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Reamstown. Condolences and memories may be shared at goodfuneral.com.
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