Clifford F. Wakely

EAST SMITHFIELD- Clifford F. Wakely, age 99, the eldest East Smithfield, PA resident went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Hazel (Wilkinson) Wakely who passed away in January of 1932 and Josephine (Huntington) Wakely who passed away in 2001. Family and friends are welcome to call from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM on Monday, February 25, 2008 at the Federated Church of East Smithfield, PA. The funeral service to honor Clifford's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, February 25th at the church with his pastor, Rev. Stan Gill, officiating. Burial will follow the service in Union Cemetery. The Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home Inc., 110 West Main Street, Troy, PA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Clifford was born on September 26, 1908 on his family's farm in East Smithfield. He was the son of the late Fred and Lucy (Phelps) Wakely. Clifford was a graduate of East Smithfield High School, class of 1927. After school Clifford worked on the family farm, in the 1930's worked on a road crew, drove a dump truck for Forrest DeVoe, and drove the Watkins Route. In 1942 he went to work for Remington Rand where he worked as a group leader in the shipping department until 1965. In 1952 Clifford bought the family farm from his father. He was first married to Hazel (Wilkinson) Wakely in 1929, and was married to Josephine (Huntington) Wakely in 1942 after the death of his first wife. He was a member of the Federated Church of East Smithfield, an over 50 year member of the Order of the Odd Fellows, a long time member of the East Smithfield and Athens Granges, and was a past president of the Troy Senior Center. Family and friends will remember him as being warm and friendly, compassionate, and always the first one there to help others. To Clifford family and community came first. His children are thankful he gave them an excellent background for life. Clifford is survived by his children: Alene (Kenneth) Gerould of East Smithfield, PA, Sharon (Arthur) Kennedy of Tucson, AZ, Brenda Zello of Waverly, NY, and Clifford LaRue (Sue) Wakely of East Smithfield, PA, 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 22 great great grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews. Clifford is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Hazel and their infant son, his second wife of 58 years, Josephine, and his 8 siblings. Contributions may be made in Clifford's name to the Federated Church of East Smithfield, East Smithfield, PA 18817, the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Dept. Box 81, East Smithfield, PA 18817 or to the Tri-Twp Ambulance Assoc, Smithfield Division, c/o Diane Husted, 16145 Berwick Turnpike, Gillett, PA 16925.