The Hitchew Family

Robert George Claar, 85, of Colonial Park, passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2008, in the Community General Osteopathic Hospital.

Born in Alum Bank on April 22, 1922, he was the son of the late Walter M. and Rena B. Mickle Claar.

Robert retired as a conductor for the former Reading Railroad and Conrail. During World War II Robert served as a co-pilot on the Eighth Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress, "Jeanne Rickey", on 35 missions, and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters for his extraordinary achievement. Robert was a member of the Crosspoint United Methodist Church, Colonial Park. He was also a member of the Colonial Park Golden Age Club and the American Association of Retired Persons of Lower Paxton Township. Robert enjoyed camping in Centre County and hunting.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Erma Kinley Claar, whom he married on October 12, 1947; two daughters, Carol A. McCormack wife of Edward G. of Lewisberry, and Linda L. Gabriel wife of Stephen J. of Dover, PA; one brother, Wilber D. Claar of Alum Bank; and one granddaughter, Cara R. Claar-Reaser of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, David Robert Claar, and a brother, Ray E. Claar.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 5, 2008, at 11 AM in the Trefz & Bowser Funeral Home, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Hummelstown, with The Rev. David Biser, his pastor, officiating. Interment will be in the Hummelstown Cemetery. Friends are invited to call for a visitation at the funeral home from 10 AM until time of the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Crosspoint United Methodist Church, 430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109.