Gene T. Lunsford, 87, of Clearfield died Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 at Elmcroft of State College.
He was born June 15, 1929 in Blackport, Ohio, a son of the late Charles and Essie (Harrison) Lunsford.
Mr. Lunsford retired in 2003 after serving two terms as a Clearfield County Commissioner. Prior to that, he was the Clearfield County Controller for eight years.
He also was employed for 17 years at Clearfield Bank & Trust, where he was assistant treasurer and branch manager.
He and his wife, Ruth, owned the former Lunsford Drive In, Steak and Seafood House. He and Ruth also owned the former B-60 Tavern, Clearfield, for more than 15 years. Additionally, Mr. Lunsford served as the Second Ward councilman.
He was a member of the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, where he was a hospitality greeter.
He was a member of the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post No. 6 and the Knights of Columbus, Clearfield Council No. 409. He was a life member of the Clearfield Fire Company No. 1.
He also was a former member of the Bradford Grange. He was a founder and volunteer of the ‘Young People Who Care’ and led the ‘Mother’s March’.
A World War II veteran, Mr. Lunsford served with the U.S. Air Force as a radar operator in the Pacific Theatre.
He is survived by two sons, Gene Tunney Lunsford Jr. and his wife, Susan of Federal Way, Wash., and Bradley Peter Lunsford and his wife, Susan of State College and two grandchildren, Ryan and Madison Lunsford.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth J. (Macale) Lunsford, on June 8, 2011, and to whom he was wed July 16, 1950.
He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Rosemary Lunsford; two sisters, Laurene Lunsford and LaVerne Bowman; and two brothers, Charles and Ernest Lunsford.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 1 p.m. Friday at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, with Fr. James Power as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Children’s Aid Society, 1008 S. Second St., Clearfield.
The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield, is in charge of arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.
