Charles B. Dearing Sr., 89, of Clearfield died Friday, July 12, 2013 at the Clearfield Hospital. He was born July 12, 1924 in Petersburg, the son of John C. and Thelma (Carper) Dearing.
Mr. Dearing was a staff sergeant with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a member of the 11th Bombardment Group of the 26th Bombardment Squadron, as an aerial gunner on a B-24 Liberator in the Central Pacific Theatre and had flown more than 40 missions
He was retired from the Pennsylvania Electric Company as a Station electrician. He was a member of Centre Grove Methodist Church.
Mr. Dearing was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Clearfield Lodge No. 540, the John Lewis Shade Post No. 6 of the American Legion and a former master and member of the Clearfield Masonic Lodge F&AM No. 314 for more than 50 years.
He was the past fire chief and member of the Saxton Fire Department. He was very active in attending his grandchildren’s sports events.
He’s survived by three children, Samuel Dearing and his wife, Susie of Meadow Vista, Calif. and Diane Farrell and her husband, Dave and Charles Dearing Jr. and his wife, Pam, both of Clearfield; three step-children, Robert G. Barger and his wife, Jeannine and Greg T. Barger and his wife, Susan of Clearfield and Fern J. Guarino of Greencastle; 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren: a brother, John Dearing of Tyrone; and a sister, Betty Gonzales of Tyrone.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marion (Kelley) Dearing, who died July 3, 1980; his second wife, Arlene B. (Torney) Barger Dearing, who died Feb. 12, 1999.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.Wednesday, at Centre Grove United Methodist Church, 1100 Village Rd.,, Clearfield, PA 16830 with Pastor Dr. Randy Willis officiating. Burial will be in the St. Luke’s Cemetery, Saxton.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, 312 E. Locust St., Clearfield.
A Masonic Service will be conducted at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Military honors will be accorded at the Centre Grove United Methodist Church on Wednesday by the Clearfield Honor Guard following the funeral service.
Memorial contribution may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital, 1645 W. Eighth St., Erie, PA 16505.
To send online tributes go to www.beneetandhouser.com or www.mem.com.