George “Dudley” Shimmel, 65, of Clearfield died of natural causes in his sleep Sunday night at his residence.
“Dudley” was born Nov. 23, 1951, the only son of Sylvester and Delila (Bowley) Shimmel, both of whom are deceased, of Clearfield. He was a beloved character in the community.
He is the last of his line, though a thousand friends remain. Everyone knew “Dudley.”
He was a 1973 graduate of the forestry program at Penn State University. He worked to lay out portions of the Quehanna Trail and in mine reclamation projects for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Forestry Department.
Over the years he worked as a freelance photographer, as a loan officer at Curwensville State Bank and as a salesman at Grice Gun Shop and Jim’s Sports Center. He did not report for work Monday morning at Jim’s, and “Dudley” never missed a day of work.
“Dudley” was an active member of the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, the Anderson Creek Sportsmen’s Club and a founding board member, actor and technician throughout his life at the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre.
“Dudley” was a gifted actor and tens of thousands have enjoyed him in his various roles on the community theater stage over these decades. He mentored many and touched many more.
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield, with Fr. Brandon Kleckner as celebrant. Friends will be received from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
To help defray all of “Dudley’s” final expenses, contributions may be made to PA Simple Cremation, 113 N. Third St., Clearfield, PA 16830.
PA Simple Cremation, Clearfield, is in charge of arrangements.
To sign the online guestbook, visit www.pasimplecremation.com.