Clark E. Eveler

Felton—Clark Emanuel Eveler, of E. Hopewell Township, died January 2, 2008 at York Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was the husband of Olga (Shaull) Eveler to whom he was married for 64 years. The couple was married at St. James Lutheran Church in Brogue on December 11, 1943. Mr. Eveler was born March 9, 1921, a son of the late Emanuel and Elizabeth B. (Heininger) Eveler at their farm on Laurel Road in Chanceford Township, York County. Mr. Eveler attended the former St. James on room public school in Chanceford Township, having completed all eight grades. As a youth he was employed as a farm laborer by Harry Bacon and Sterl and Mary Wise. Prior to entry into the military he worked at the Pichanuk window blind factory in Dallastown and later at the Red Lion Cabinet Factory and Ebert Furniture Company in Red Lion. He served in the United States armed forces during World War II as a private first class in Company C, 39th Infantry Army of the United States. He was inducted into the service October 26, 1942 and trained at Camp Wheeler, Georgia. He arrived in Casablanca, Morocco on his 22nd birthday, March 9, 1943. He participated in the battle action against Field Marshall Rommel's forces at El Guidar, North Africa and for 12 days at Sedjenine, Tunisia, under command of General George Patton. He paraded before Britain's King George VI at Oran, Algeria. He left Africa on July 14, 1943 and participated in the Sicilian Campaign. Clark lost his right arm in battle at Troina, Sicily on August 2, 1943. After being injured he was visited by General Patton. He spent several months in military hospitals including Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C., where he was visited by first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. He was decorated with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and the Sliver Star among other honors. He was a member of the Red Lion post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Red Lion American Legion. Following marriage and discharge from the armed forces, he worked as a milkman for the former Warner's Dairy in Red Lion until 1948. He delivered milk, in charge of the Delta Route and later the Red Lion Route. In 1947 Clark and Olga purchased their farm in E. Hopewell Township. His farming enterprise involved eggs, beef, cattle, hogs and crops. A promoter of farmland preservation, the Eveler farm was one the first to be preserved in the York County Agricultural Land Preservation Program. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Farmers Association and the Young Farmers Group of South Eastern School District. He also served as a member of the South Eastern School District School Board and East Hopewell Township planning commission. He was a life member of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brogue. He was former treasurer of the church and a member of the church council and taught adult Sunday school for many years. Clark was an avid 500-card player, attending public card parties at the Springfield Sportsman's Club; he was also a lifelong baseball fan, having played prior to his military service. Clark was well known for his friendly gregarious personality, always able to talk to anyone. In addition to his wife, Mr. Eveler is also survived by four children, Robert C. and wife Paulette of Airville, Kay L. Konkel and husband Norbert of York, Dan A. and wife Catherine of Red Lion, and Amy M. Squire and husband George of West Chester, five grandchildren, James R. Eveler of Spring Grove, Amanda E. Eveler of York, Richard K. Konkel of York, Joseph A. Eveler of Fredericksburg, VA, and Katie N. Eveler of Red Lion, one sister, Fern E. Shanbarger of Felton, numerous nieces and nephews and caregivers, Debra Smith and Christy Edlund. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence E., Luther W.J., and Morris D. Eveler, and two sisters, Rebecca E. Swartz and Alverta A. Trout. A celebration of life service will be 2 p.m., Sunday, January 6, 2008 at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2335 Cramer Rd, Brogue, with his pastor, the Rev. Guy C. Carter officiating. Burial will be held in St. James Lutheran Cemetery with full military honors provided by the York County Veterans Honor Guard. Life Tributes by Olewiler and Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion is in charge arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. James Evangelical Church, 2335 Cramer Rd., Brogue, Pa 17309.