William E. Clepper, 94, of Treasure Lake, DuBois, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 at Christ the King Manor.
Born Dec. 8, 1923 in Van Buren, Armstrong County, he was the son of the late Eburn Glenn Clepper and Edna Andrews Clepper.
He served as a sergeant in the Army Air Corp in World War II. His service included combat tours in the Fifth Air Force in New Guinea, Dutch Indies and Philippine Island Campaigns for over three years.
He was married April 12, 1947 to Anna Louise McMillen Clepper. She survives.
He was part owner of Clepper Bros. Co., of Cowansville, Pa. He was founder and owner of Valley Lines Inc., Armstrong, Jefferson and Clearfield counties school system, and was a school bus driver for more than 50 years.
He was a member and past ruling elder of Cowansville Presbyterian Church, Cowansville, Pa.
He was a 50-year member of Moraine Trails Council Boy Scouts of America in Butler, Pa., and an advisory board member.
He was active as a Scout Master of Troop 673 in Cowansville, Pa., Cub Master and vice president of the executive board.
He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award and the Four Bead Award of the Wood Badge Program of Training from the Boy Scouts of America.
He led several expeditions to the Philmont Scout Ranch; he also led his council to the 1969 National Jamboree in Idaho. He led many boys on their way to Eagle Scout and mentored many area youths.
He was an active member in the Free and Accepted Masons. He was a past Master of Indiana Lodge 313, Indiana, Pa.; a past thrice illustrious Master of Kittanning Council No. 52, Kittanning, Pa.; a past High Priest of Orient Chapter 247, Kittanning, Pa.; a past Governor of Laurel Valley York Rite College No. 97, DuBois, Pa.; a past Sovereign of Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine, Johnstown, Pa.; a Knight of the York Cross of Honor, Pittsburgh, Pa.; and a past Commander, Warren Commandry Knights Templar, Warren, Pa.
He is also a past Right Eminent Grand Commander, Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, and a member of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.
He is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Buffalo Valley Sportsmen’s Association, Worthington, Pa.
He enjoyed hunting at his camp in Sheffield, Pa., doing mechanical work on his buses and restoration of antique cars, especially his 1939 Cadillac.
He is survived by two daughters, Carol Moody of Salsbury, Md., and Nancy Sowder and her husband, Neil of Jasper, Ga.; two sons, William F. Clepper of Slate Lick, Pa., and Robert G. Clepper and his wife, Aurelia of DuBois; a sister, Louise Dietz of Ford City, Pa.; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Glenn Clepper; two grandchildren, Martin and Ronald Sowder; and a son-in-law, Charles Moody.
Private family visitation and funeral services will be held at the Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc.
Full military honors will be accorded by the members of the DuBois Area Honor Guard, and Masonic services will be conducted by the members of the Garfield Lodge No. 559 Free & Accepted Masons.
Burial will be in Lawn Haven Cemetery in Worthington.
Memorials may be placed with the charity of the donor’s choice.
The Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences can be made to www.baronickfuneralhome.com.