Clifford Leroy Bair, 90

Clifford Leroy Bair, 90, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, at Penn Highlands Jefferson Court.

He was born in Johnsonburg, Indiana County, on Dec. 4, 1932, a son of the late Luther Bair and Bonnie (Brady) Bair.

Mr. Bair was a United States Army veteran and proudly served his country in the Korean conflict, where he earned the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Following his discharge, he married his beloved wife of nearly 68 years, Diana Lee Taylor on March 19, 1955. She survives.

He was a member of the Cloe Presbyterian Church until its closing, then became a member of Big Run Presbyterian Church.

Clifford worked as a mechanic/electrician in the coal mines of Greenwich Collieries and Doverspike mines, and later worked at BiLo Supermarket prior to his retirement.

He could work on anything and get it fixed and back in working order. Cliff was the go-to man for many of his family, friends and neighbors. He was known to help a stranger who had car problems along the roadside. To say he was a kind and caring man was an understatement.

Cliff’s greatest accomplishment was the love and devotion he had to his wife Diana. He put her needs before his own always; his dedication and love for her had no measure.

For enjoyment, he loved to garden, take care of his home and build birdhouses while woodworking.

In addition to his wife, Diana, he is survived by four children, Dennis Lee Bair and wife Joann of Bethel Park, Melissa Ann Ferguson and husband Keith of Trade City, Krista Ann Johnson and husband Robert of Punxsutawney, and Melinda Jo Powell and husband Randy of Punxsutawney; five grandchildren, Kirk Ferguson and wife Dr. Mary of Mequon, Wisconsin, Vanessa Johnson of Punxsutawney, Kasey Ferguson and wife Becky of Punxsutawney, Rhiannon Bair of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Trevin Bair of Bethel Park; one brother, Charles Bair of Arizona; and one sister, Shirley “Peg” Girsch of Cherry Tree.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, infant Jay Bair, Eugene Bair and James Bair; and two sisters, Esther Henry and Viola Bair.

Friends will be received from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney. Military honors will be accorded by the Jefferson County Honor Guard. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Doug Wolfe.

Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Cloe.

Memorial donations may be made in Clifford’s memory to the Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE, 68508.

Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com.