Rev. Rodger J. Gorton, 72, of Clearfield, PA passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the DuBois Regional Medical Center, DuBois, PA.
He was born on July 20, 1939 in Clearfield, PA, the son of Jean (Rowles) McCorkle and step-son of Bill McCorkle.
Rev. Gorton had worked at Tafco before entering the ministry.
In 1992 West Side United Methodist Church was the Recommending Church for Rev. Gorton. Churches he served; the Clearfield Parish; Emmanuel and Kerr Addition United Methodist Church, Christ United Methodist Church, Mt Joy United Methodist Church and the Bigler Charge; Bigler, Dale, and Shiloh United Methodist Churches. After his retirement in 2009, he continued to serve as Minister of Visitation at the West Side United Methodist Church, and filled the pulpit at various churches.
Rev. Gorton was Chaplin for Clearfield Hospice and the Clearfield Fire Department.
He also served on the board of the Clearfield United Way and was awarded the Rotary Outstanding Citizen Award in 2010.
He was a veteran in the United States Air Force.
He is survived by his wife Patricia (Johnston) Gorton whom he married on October 15, 1966 , a daughter, Chandra Gorton of Clearfield and her fiancé, Bill Carbaugh, a sister, Pat McCorkle of Saddle Brook, NJ and a brother-in-law, Phil Buchanan of Wall, NJ and two nephews; Joey and Billy.
Rev. Gorton is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Peggy Buchanan and Penny Reilly and his beloved Siberian Husky, Saba.
A Funeral Service will be held at the West Side United Methodist Church, of Clearfield on Thursday, September 15th, 2011 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Joleen A. Willis officiating.
Friends will be received at Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Patricia Gorton c/o Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc., 312 East Locust Street, Clearfield, PA 16830.
To send an online tribute goes to www.bennettandhouser.com or www.mem.com