Clarence Edgar Cramer, 85, life-long resident of Shippensburg, departed this life on the afternoon of Sunday, April 30, 2017, at the Chambersburg Hospital.

He was born on September 14, 1931, in Shippensburg, a son of the late Clarence Edgar and Sara Helen Ocker Cramer, Sr., and married Lena June Beidel on February 14, 1969, in their home.

Clarence was born and raised on the family farm, then farmed his entire life until his retirement, in 1995. He was a honorary chapter member of the FFA; an award winning, past-member of the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Corporation; attended the first ever Pennsylvania State Farm Show and then attended faithfully each year after; and had a hand in starting the Shippensburg Community Fair, in 1949.

He was a long-time member of the Shippensburg Church of the Brethren, helping in the construction of the church when it was being built. Clarence sang in the choir for forty-three years and was on the church softball team becoming one of the all-time greatest and fastest pitchers. He played clarinet in the Shippensburg Town Band and also in the Pennsylvania State Band. Clarence possessed a strong Christian faith and loved his family. He enjoyed attending all of his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and woodworking after his retirement.

In addition to his wife of forty-seven years, Lena, he is survived by his daughter, Loretta Clugh of Newville; three sons, Gary Cramer and fiance’ Robin Mull of Chambersburg, Steve Cramer and wife Sharon of Fayetteville, and Michael Cramer and wife Deborah of New Jersey; three step-sons, Terry Wiser and wife Shirley of Shippensburg, Tracy Wiser and wife Pat of Maryland, and Teddy Wiser and wife Ruth of Shippensburg; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; his brother, J. Calvin Cramer of Shippensburg; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by one great granddaughter at birth, Jazyln Odessa Wiser Thompson; and two sisters, Beatrice Strock and Marie Myers.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the Shippensburg Church of the Brethren. Pastor Brian Markle and Pastor Wayne Hall will officiate. Interment will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery. Viewing will be Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc., Shippensburg, and one hour prior to the service on Friday morning at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the American Diabetes Foundation or the American Heart Association.

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