Arden E. Read, 89 of Woodland died Monday, May 13, 2013 at his home.
He was the husband of the late Elverda G. (Records) Read, whom he married Dec. 11, 1946 and whom died Feb. 28, 1979. He later married Josephine Switala, who died in 1992.
Born May 1, 1924 in Goshen, he was the son of the late George J. and Elma (Tate) Read.
Mr. Read attended the one-room school house in Goshen and was a 1942 graduate of the ClearfieldHigh School. He was employed with the North American Brick Yard from 1942-1943, at which time he went into the U.S. Army.
He was a veteran of World War II. He served in the European Theater with the 558 Anti-Aircraft Battalion until his discharge in March of 1946. He went back to work for the brick yard until it shut down. He then went to work for the Smith Trucking Company in Woodland for 30 years until his retirement.
After his retirement, he drove the Community Action Van for 16 years. He is a life member and on the founder committee of the Bigler-Jackson-Woodland Fire Company. He served as chief, president and treasurer of the Clearfield County Association and the fire police.
Surviving are three sons, Ronald E. Read and his Wife, Janet of Shiloh, Donald A. “Packy” Read and his wife, Margaret “Punch,” of Morrisdale and Charles Read and his wife, Charlene of Woodland and two step-sons, James Switala of Colorado and Steven Switala of Morrisdale.
Also surviving are nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren and two great great-grandsons.
He was preceded in death by both of his wives and parents; a daughter, Jean M. Read in 2007; a sister, Erma Reid; a brother, Jerry Read, a nephew, Manny Read, grandsons, Charles Neil Read and William Frederick Read; a step-grandson, William Switala; and a daughter-in-law, Beverly Switala.
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Arden E. Read will be at 12 p.m. Saturday at the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home, 312 E. Locust St., Clearfield, with the Rev. Charles J. Swenson officiating.
A time to share memories and have an opportunity to view will be from 10 a.m. until the hour of services Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in BradfordCemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the BJW Fire Company, c/o Fire Chief John W. Shirey, P.O. Box 105, Mineral Springs, PA16855 or to the Clearfield Foundation for Health-Hospice, P.O. Box 992, Clearfield, PA16830.
Online tributes may be made at www.bennettandhouserfuneralhome.com or www.mem.com.
