TODAY’S OBITUARY INDEX Clyde E. Bosket, Sr.
Clyde E. Bosket, Sr., affectionately known as, “Mr. Clyde,” also known to many as “Deacon Bosket,” made his triumphant transition into Heaven at the wonderful age of 94, on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Health Network – Cedar Crest, with his family by his side. He was married for over 60 years to his childhood sweetheart, the late Mattie
Lee (Abney) Bosket. “Mr. Clyde” was born on September 8th, 1929, in Saluda, South Carolina to the late Daniel Cleveland Bosket and the late Ida (Perry) Bosket. He graduated from Saluda Rosenwald High School.
After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953, he began his career in Philadelphia when haircuts at the time were only 5 cents. In 1953, he entered the Tri-County Barber School and became a certified barber in PA. He relocated to Allentown in 1956 and established his first barber shop at 215 S. 5th Street. In 1992, he became a Certified Barber Instructor and established additional barber shops in Bethlehem and Easton. All three locations were used to provide training to over 150 barber and cosmetology students - many of whom now own and operate their own successful business ventures. For over 15 years, he operated “Clyde’s Barber Shop” at the Allentown Fairgrounds.
Clyde received numerous recognitions and awards throughout his lifetime, but most recently Clyde was recognized when February 24th, 2023, was deemed “Clyde Bosket Day” for both the City of Allentown and Lehigh County as part of the 2023 Black History Month celebration.
“Deacon Clyde Bosket” joined Union Baptist in 1957 and under the ministry of Founder, Dr. Horace A. Melton he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, Superintendent of Sunday School, and Men’s Day Chairperson. Clyde continued to serve under the new leadership of Pastor Benjamin T. Hailey, Sr., who designated him as “Deacon Emeritus.”
Clyde is a Past Master of Wyoming Lodge #135 and Past Worthy Patron of Virginia E. Holland Chapter No. 86, O.E.S. He was a member of both Masonic families for over fifty years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason.
Clyde was a Gold Life Member of the Allentown NAACP and participated in the March on Washington in 1963 and was often invited to speak at community and college events on Black history and civil rights topics.
Clyde is survived by sons: John (Minnie) Lott, Daniel (Jevata) Bosket, David Eugene Bosket, Clyde Edward Bosket, Jr.; daughters: Jennifer Deloris Davis and Carolyn Maxine Bosket; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Godchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was predeceased by son Ervin (Rick) Bosket and daughter Shirleen Singletary.
Viewing: Family and Friends Viewing and Visitation will be held on Friday, October 27th at the Jesse Johnson Funeral Home located at 426 Hanover Avenue, Allentown, PA, from 6PM to 8PM. The visitation will be broadcast on Zoom, see jessejohnsonfuneralhome.com website for the link.
Funeral Services: The “Celebration of Life & Legacy” service will be held at the Union Baptist Church located at 302 N. 6th Street on Saturday, October 28th as follows: Viewing - 10AM to 11AM; “Celebration of Life & Legacy” - Service begins at 11AM.
Internment: Tuesday, October 31st, 11AM, at the military cemetery located at
1 Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003.
Family Friends are invited.
“To God Be The Glory, For The Things He Has Done!”